If your pipes are frozen, it is important to act quickly before they burst. You may have turned on the faucet and found no water, or just a weak trickle. The pipes have frozen solid, and you need to thaw them before any damage occurs.
Here’s a quick guide to help you unfreeze your pipes and prevent costly repairs.
- Open Affected Faucets: Turn on hot and cold taps to relieve pressure as ice melts.
- Locate Frozen Section: Check under sinks, exterior walls, or basements for ice.
- Apply Hairdryer Heat: Use warm air, starting near the faucet, to thaw safely.
- Wrap with Hot Towels: Soak towels in hot water and wrap around the pipe.
Avoid Open Flames: Skip torches or lighters to prevent fire hazards.
How To Know If Pipes Are Frozen?
Here are the main signs that pipes may be frozen:
- No water or weak flow: If you turn on the faucet and get nothing or just a trickle, pipes may be frozen.
- Frost on the pipes: Check for ice buildup or frost on exposed pipes. This means the water inside has frozen.
- Strange smells from the drain: Frozen pipes can block airflow, causing odors to rise from the drain.
- Gurgling or clanking sounds: Frozen pipes can cause unusual noises when water is turned on.
If any of these signs are present, pipes are likely frozen.
Frozen Pipes – How to Unfreeze Them
The longer pipes stay frozen, the higher the risk of them bursting. Here is how to thaw frozen pipes safely and quickly:
1. Open the Faucet
Turn on the affected faucet, both hot and cold. This will allow the melted water to escape as the ice melts, preventing pressure buildup that could cause to burst pipe.
2. Locate the Frozen Pipe
Check for frozen pipes in common areas:
- Under sinks
- Along exterior walls
- In basements or crawl spaces
- Near the water meter
If the frozen pipe is inside a wall, increase the room temperature and wait for the thaw.
3. Apply Heat
Thaw the pipe using one of these methods:
- Hairdryer: Direct warm air at the pipe, starting near the faucet and moving toward the frozen section.
- Heating pad or electric blanket: Wrap it around the pipe.
- Hot towels: Soak towels in hot water and wrap them around the pipe, replacing as they cool.
- Space heater: Place it near the frozen area to warm the surrounding space.
What NOT to Do
Avoid these methods as they can cause more damage:
- No open flames (no torches, lighters, or candles): These can cause serious damage to your pipes.
- Don’t pour boiling water on the pipe: Sudden temperature changes can crack pipes.
- Don’t hit the pipe: Apply gentle heat, not force.
In many cases, it’s better to call professionals to handle frozen pipe repairs.
What If the Frozen Pipe Bursts?
If a pipe bursts, follow these steps immediately:
- Shut off the main water supply. This will minimize water damage.
- Call a plumber for emergency repairs.
- Soak up the water using towels or buckets.
- Document the damage for insurance purposes.
Yess Boss Plumbing is available 24/7 for emergency frozen pipe repairs.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
To prevent frozen pipes in the future, follow these steps:
- Keep the heat on: Even if you are away, set thermostat no lower than 55°F.
- Let faucets drip: A slow drip helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Insulate pipes: Use foam pipe sleeves, heat tape, or even old towels for insulating.
- Open cabinet doors: Allow warm air to reach pipes under sinks.
- Seal drafts: Close any gaps where cold air could enter and affect your pipes.
What is the Cost to Fix Frozen Pipes?
Repair costs vary depending on the damage:
- Thawing pipes: Free if you do it yourself.
- Burst pipes: Repairs can range from $200 to $2,000+ depending on the severity.
The best way to avoid these costs is by preventing frozen pipes altogether.
Call Yess Boss Plumbing – 24/7 Emergency Frozen Pipe Repair
If your pipes are frozen or have burst, call Yess Boss Plumbing for 24/7 emergency repair services. We will restore water quickly and prevent further damage. Contact us now.
Quick FAQs
How do I know if my pipes are frozen?
No water, trickling faucets, frost on pipes, or gurgling noises indicate a freeze
What causes pipes to freeze in Toronto?
Temps below 0°C, poor insulation, or drafts near pipes cause freezes, especially in older homes.
How do I find a frozen pipe?
Check under sinks, exterior walls, or basements; trace faucets with no flow to locate the freeze.
How do I thaw frozen pipes safely?
Open faucets, apply gentle heat with a GFCI-protected hairdryer or warm towels, and avoid open flames.
Should I turn off water for frozen pipes?
Keep water on with faucets open to relieve pressure; shut off only if pipes crack or burst.
Do frozen pipes always burst?
No, but ice pressure can crack pipes; thaw early to prevent ruptures.
How long does it take to thaw frozen pipes?
Thawing takes 30 minutes to 2 hours with a hairdryer; deeper freezes may need professional help.
How do I prevent pipes from freezing in Toronto?
Insulate pipes, drip faucets, keep heat at 15°C, and use smart thermostats or heat trace cables.
When should I call a plumber for frozen pipes?
Call for pipes in walls, persistent freezes, or signs of cracks (e.g., bulging pipes).
What are the costs to fix frozen pipes in Toronto?
Thawing costs CAD 300–1,000; burst pipe repairs range CAD 1,000–5,000, plus cleanup CAD 2,000–10,000.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.