What is Frozen Pipe Repair?
Frozen Pipe Repair and Prevention
Frozen pipes are one of the most predictable — and most preventable — plumbing disasters. Yet they remain the number one cause of winter property damage in the United States, costing homeowners an estimated $1 billion in claims annually according to the Insurance Information Institute. A single frozen pipe can cause $5,000 or more in water damage when it thaws and bursts.
Plumbing Crew USA provides 24/7 emergency frozen pipe service. Whether your pipes are frozen solid or have already burst, our licensed plumbers respond fast to prevent or minimize damage.
Why Pipes Freeze
Water freezes at 32°F (0°C), but pipes typically don't freeze until outdoor temperatures reach 20°F (-7°C) or below — and even warmer if pipes are in uninsulated exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, or garages. Wind chill dramatically accelerates pipe freezing by removing the thin layer of warm air around exposed pipes.
The danger is not the ice itself — it is the pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet. As water expands 9% when freezing, pressure builds until the pipe ruptures, often at a fitting or junction rather than at the freeze point itself.
Pipes Most Vulnerable to Freezing
- Supply lines in exterior walls without insulation
- Pipes in unheated crawl spaces, attics, and garages
- Lines serving outdoor hose bibs (especially non-frost-free models)
- Pipes running through cabinets on exterior walls (kitchen sinks on outside walls)
- Swimming pool supply lines and sprinkler systems
- Water service lines from meter to house in shallow trenches in cold climates
Signs of a Frozen Pipe
- No water or very low flow from a faucet in cold weather
- Visible frost on exposed pipes
- Strange odors from faucet (freeze blocking the vent stack, allowing sewer gas accumulation)
- Bulging or cracking visible in accessible pipes
What to Do When You Have a Frozen Pipe
- Keep the faucet open — even if no water flows yet, keeping the faucet open relieves pressure as the ice melts
- Apply gentle heat — hair dryer, electric heating pad, or warm towels on the frozen section. Never use open flame.
- Work from the faucet toward the frozen area — this allows water to escape as ice melts
- Never leave heat applied unattended
- If you cannot locate the frozen section or access it safely, call immediately — attempting to thaw inaccessible pipes without professional guidance risks a burst
- If a pipe has already burst — shut off the main water supply immediately and call (888) 766-7573
Professional Frozen Pipe Thawing
Our plumbers use professional-grade pipe thawing equipment including electric pipe thawing machines (safe for metallic pipes), heat tape application, and hot water circulation methods. We also identify and insulate vulnerable sections to prevent refreezing.
Frozen Pipe Prevention
- Insulate pipes in unconditioned spaces with foam pipe insulation — costs under $1/foot and takes minutes to install
- Install heat tape/cable on chronic freeze-risk pipes and plug in when temperatures drop
- Let interior faucets drip slowly during extreme cold — moving water is much harder to freeze
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow heated air circulation
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses before first freeze; shut off and drain hose bib supply line
- Know where your main shutoff valve is — seconds matter when a pipe bursts
- Set thermostat no lower than 55°F even when away — pipe freeze protection is worth the heating cost
Frozen Pipe Service Costs
- Professional pipe thawing: $150–$450
- Pipe insulation installation: $100–$500 depending on scope
- Heat tape installation: $100–$400
- Burst pipe repair after thawing: $200–$1,500 depending on location and severity
Typical cost range: Emergency. Prices vary by location and severity. Call for a upfront quote.
Typical cost range: $200–$1,000. Prices vary by location and severity. Call for a upfront quote.
Find Frozen Pipe Repair in Your State
We have licensed plumbers who specialize in Frozen Pipe Repair across all 50 states. Select your state: