Frozen Pipes: How to Prevent and Safely Restart the Flow

When temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes rise and lead to potential plumbing disasters. Frozen pipes can burst, causing costly water damage to your home. Fortunately, with the right preventative measures and safe thawing techniques, you can protect your plumbing and keep water flowing smoothly. Parson Plumbing and Drains is your go-to source for thawing frozen pipes in Central Ohio. Here are our tips to prevent frozen pipes and keep things flowing safely through the winter months.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Taking proactive steps can help you avoid the inconvenience and damage caused by frozen pipes. Here are some essential preventative measures you can take to safeguard your plumbing system against the cold:

Insulate Your Pipes

Pipes that are exposed to cold air are the most vulnerable to seasonal swings in temperature. Insulating these pipes can be one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing. Use foam pipe insulation, fiberglass wrap, or heat tape to add a protective layer around pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. For extra protection, seal any gaps or holes in walls and floors where cold air may enter and come into contact with your plumbing.

Keep a Steady Temperature

One of the best ways to prevent freezing is to maintain a consistent temperature in your home. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, even if you're leaving for an extended period. During particularly cold nights, consider raising the thermostat slightly to provide additional warmth to your plumbing. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to keep temperatures stable throughout the day and night to avoid drastic fluctuations that could increase the risk of freezing.

Let Faucets Drip

When temperatures drop significantly, allow your faucets to drip slightly, especially those connected to exterior walls or unheated spaces. A slow, steady trickle of water keeps the flow moving through the pipes, making it less likely to freeze. This simple measure can be especially effective for single-lever faucets that combine hot and cold water, as running both supplies reduces the chances of ice formation.

Seal Drafts

Cold air seeping into your home through cracks, gaps, or poorly insulated areas can increase the likelihood of frozen pipes. Inspect your home for drafts near pipes, especially around windows, doors, and vents. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal these openings. If necessary, install insulation panels or use heavy curtains to block cold air from entering rooms where plumbing is located.

Open Cabinet Doors

On especially cold nights, open the cabinet doors beneath sinks, particularly those along exterior walls. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes and reduces the risk of freezing. If possible, use a small space heater in particularly cold areas to provide additional warmth to vulnerable pipes.

Safely Thawing Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle of water, you may have a frozen pipe. The best way to safely thaw a frozen pipe without risking a rupture to the pipe and causing a leak, is to call the professionals at Parson Plumbing and Drains.  If you would rather DIY and accept the risks, carefully follow the steps below:

1. Locate the Frozen Pipe

Identifying the location of the frozen pipe is the first step to solving the issue. Check areas most susceptible to freezing, such as along exterior walls, under sinks, in basements, attics, or crawl spaces. If multiple faucets have low or no water flow, the frozen section may be closer to the main water supply line.

2. Turn on the Faucet

Before attempting to thaw a pipe, open the affected faucet slightly. This helps relieve pressure buildup and allows melted water to escape safely. Opening both the hot and cold taps can help speed up the thawing process as warm water flows through the pipe.

3. Apply Heat

Gradually apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using a hairdryer, heat lamp, heating pad, or electric space heater. Start from the faucet end and work your way back to the frozen section to prevent steam buildup, which could cause further damage. Never use an open flame, such as a blowtorch or propane heater, as this poses a serious fire hazard and could damage your pipes.

4. Use Warm Towels

If you don’t have a heat source like a hairdryer or space heater, soak towels in warm water and wrap them around the frozen pipe. Replace the towels as they cool to maintain a consistent source of warmth. This method works well for pipes in exposed areas but may take longer than direct heating methods.

5. Call a Professional

If you cannot locate the frozen pipe, it remains blocked after attempts to thaw it, or you suspect a crack has formed, contact a professional plumber immediately. Attempting to forcefully clear a frozen pipe could lead to bursts and extensive water damage. When in doubt, don’t risk the cost and hassle associated with damage to your home’s plumbing. Let experts at Parson Plumbing and Drain assess the situation to ensure the best outcome for your pipes and your wallet.

Stay Prepared with Parson Plumbing and Drains

Preventing frozen pipes and knowing how to handle them safely can save you time, money, and stress. At Parson Plumbing and Drains, we offer emergency plumbing services in Columbus to keep your home safe and running smoothly all winter long. Whether you need pipe insulation, emergency repairs, or general maintenance, our team is here to help. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—contact us today for professional assistance!