If a pipe is frozen but not leaking, open the faucet and gently warm the pipe. If it has already burst, shut off the main water valve first — then call. Here's how to handle both.
If a pipe has burst
- Shut off the main water valve now. It's usually in the basement near the front wall, in a crawl space, or in a utility closet. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Open the lowest faucet in the house to drain pressure out of the lines.
- If water is near outlets or electrical panels, stay clear and shut off power to that area if it's safe to do so.
- Call (720) 818-5569. Take photos for your insurance.
How to tell a pipe is frozen
A faucet that gives a trickle or nothing at all on a very cold morning, while other faucets work, usually means a frozen section on that line. Frozen pipes are most common in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, attics, and under sinks on outside walls.
Thawing a frozen pipe (not leaking)
- Open the faucet the pipe feeds, both hot and cold. Moving water helps it thaw, and it relieves pressure.
- Warm the pipe gently, starting nearest the faucet and working back: a hair dryer, a heating pad, or warm towels. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let room heat in.
- Never use an open flame, a torch, or a propane heater. It's a fire risk and can damage the pipe.
- Keep applying heat until full water pressure returns, then check the pipe for drips. Pipes often split while frozen and only leak once they thaw.
If you can't find or reach the frozen section, or you can't get it to thaw, call. Don't leave a frozen line unattended for long; the longer it stays frozen, the more likely it is to split.
Preventing frozen pipes
- Disconnect garden hoses and winterize outdoor faucets.
- Get your sprinkler system blown out before the first hard freeze.
- During a cold snap, let faucets on exterior walls drip slightly and open the cabinet doors under them.
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when you're traveling.
- Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and unheated areas, and seal drafts near them.
After a freeze
A pipe that thawed without leaking can still be weakened. Watch for new stains, a jump in your water bill, or the sound of running water. If something seems off, we can find the leak before anything gets opened up.