Frozen Pipe Thawing & Repair in Pocatello, ID

Is it frozen?

If one faucet runs and another doesn't, the pipe to the dry faucet has probably frozen somewhere along an exterior wall or in a cold crawl space. If nothing in the house runs, the freeze may be where the line enters the house, or in the service line outside.

Thaw it gently

Open the faucet the pipe feeds so melting ice has somewhere to go. Then warm the pipe with a hair dryer, a space heater kept well clear of anything that burns, or warm towels, starting nearest the faucet. Never use a torch, a heat gun close to wood, or any open flame.

Lines you can't reach

Pipes inside finished walls, under floors or in the service line outside often need a plumber's equipment to thaw safely. Electric thawing machines and low-pressure steam are used for lines that can't be reached with a hair dryer. Don't cut into walls looking for the frozen spot.

When a pipe has split

Watch carefully as water starts moving again. If you see a spray or hear water running, close the main at once. Split copper and cracked plastic fittings need the damaged section cut out and replaced; clamps and tape are temporary at best.

Preventing a repeat

After the repair, ask the plumber which runs need insulation, heat cable or rerouting to the warm side of the house. Seal drafts in the crawl space and around the sill. Small changes often stop the same pipe freezing every winter.

Getting help

Tell the plumber which faucets are dry, where the frozen section might be and whether any water has escaped. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.