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How to Fix a Frozen Pipe

mediumHome Repaircheck locally10 steps

Safety Warnings

  • Danger: Thawing with a blowtorch can generate high-pressure steam that may rupture the pipe and cause severe scalds.
  • Danger: Do not use blowtorches or electric heating cables on plastic tubing or non-electricity-conducting pipes.
  • Chemical Safety: Caustic soda/lye is poisonous. Handle with extreme care and keep away from children.
  • Chemical Safety: If lye touches skin or clothing, wash with cold water immediately; flush eyes with cold water and call a doctor.

Tools Needed

Blowtorch — for metal pipes only
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Funnel — check locally
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Rubber tubing — check locally
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Pail — check locally
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Electric heating cable — check locally
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Materials

Boiling water — check locally(as needed)
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Rags/Hot cloths — check locally(as needed)
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Caustic soda or lye — for waste pipes/traps(check locally)
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Steps

1
Open a faucet associated with the frozen pipe.
Tip: This permits steam to escape and reduces the risk of dangerous pressure buildup.
2
If the pipe is a water supply line, begin thawing from the faucet end and work back toward the supply.
Tip: Never thaw the middle first, as trapped water expansion can burst the pipe.
3
If the pipe is a waste or sewer pipe, work upward from the lower end to allow water to drain.
Tip: For frozen traps, caustic soda or lye may be poured in to thaw.
4
Apply heat using hot cloths or by covering the pipe with rags and pouring boiling water over them.
Tip: This is a safer alternative to using a blowtorch.
5
Alternatively, use an electric heating cable to thaw the entire length of the pipe simultaneously.
Tip: Ensure the cable is compatible with your pipe material.
6
For inaccessible or underground pipes, insert a small tube/pipe into the house end and use a funnel to pour boiling water through it.
Tip: Hold the funnel higher than the pipe to force cooled water back to the house end to be caught in a pail.
7
If using a torch (on metal pipes only), move the flame back and forth along the pipe.
Tip: Do not allow steam to condense and refreeze before it reaches the open faucet.
8
Check for leaks or splits once the ice has melted.
Tip: Pipes that have been split by hard freezing must be replaced.
9
If a pipe has burst, immediately close the nearest shutoff valve to stop the flow of water.
Tip: Arrange for professional repair or replacement if the pipe is ruptured.
10
Test the system by ensuring water flows steadily from the open faucet.
Tip: If extensive repairs are needed, consult a licensed plumber and check local authorizations.

Pro Tips

  • Thawing with hot water is generally safer than using a blowtorch.
  • Insulation slows heat loss but does not completely prevent freezing if water stands for long periods.

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Sources

Synthesized from 3 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Simple Plumbing Repairs (FB 1460)View →
USDA Farmers' Bulletin (Gutenberg)View →
Gutenberg: Dwelling ConstructionView →