Frozen pipe repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What frozen pipe repair is

Frozen pipe repair thaws a frozen pipe safely and repairs any split or crack, then insulates or reroutes the lines so they are less likely to freeze again. The water that froze can expand and split a pipe, so the repair often shows up as a leak after the water is turned back on.

Signs you need it

  • No water or very low water at one fixture on a cold night, while the others work
  • A pipe you can see is frosted, bulging, or cracked along a run in an unheated area
  • Water is leaking from a pipe after the thaw, which can mean the pipe split as the ice expanded
  • The pipe runs along an exterior wall, in a crawlspace, under a cabinet on an outside wall, or in an attic
  • The pipe froze during a cold spell before, and the same run needs protection

What the pro does

  • Find the frozen section by checking the pipes for cold spots, frost and the fixture that has no water
  • Open the nearest faucet to let water move as the pipe thaws, and keep the supply turned on or off as the pro directs
  • Thaw the pipe with a safe heat source, such as warm air or a heat wrap, moving from the open end toward the frozen spot
  • Check the pipe for splits and cracks after the thaw, and repair any damaged section with a new run or a fitting
  • Pressure test the repaired section and check every joint for leaks before closing the wall
  • Insulate the exposed pipe, add heat tape where it is needed, or reroute the line away from the cold area

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Location of the frozen pipe, such as an exposed run, an attic, a crawlspace or inside an exterior wall
  • Whether the pipe split, and how much pipe must be replaced
  • Access to the frozen section, including opening walls, ceilings or floors
  • Pipe material: copper, PEX, galvanized and CPVC react to freezing and need different repairs
  • Whether the line needs to be rerouted away from the cold area
  • Insulation, heat tape or freeze protection added after the repair

What a written quote should spell out

  • Location of the frozen section and the method used to thaw it
  • Repair of any split or crack, with the pipe material and fittings used
  • Pressure test of the repaired section before the wall is closed
  • Insulation, heat tape or rerouting added to prevent the next freeze
  • Who restores any wall, ceiling or floor opened for the repair

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Where is the pipe frozen, and did it split?
  • How will you thaw the pipe, and is the method safe for the pipe and the house?
  • Do you pressure test the repair before the wall is closed?
  • What will you do to keep the pipe from freezing again?
  • Will you check the other lines in the same area for freeze damage?
  • Is the repair covered by my home insurance, and what do you need to document it?

Red flags

  • Pro who thaws the pipe with an open flame or a torch
  • Pro who says a frozen pipe can be thawed without checking for a split
  • Pro who repairs the split without insulating or rerouting the line in the cold area
  • Pro who does not test the repair before the wall is closed

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can open the faucet nearest the frozen pipe and keep the house warm, and can use warm air from a hair dryer or a space heater placed safely away from anything that can burn. Do not use an open flame, a torch or a propane heater on a pipe, and if a pipe has split, shut off the water at the main and call a pro right away.

Licenses and permits

Frozen pipe repair on the supply line is commonly licensed plumbing work, and some areas require a permit for a repair that opens a wall. Check with your state or local licensing agency for the rules that apply to the repair.

Frozen pipe repair questions

How do I know a pipe is frozen and not just low on water?

A frozen pipe usually means no water or a very weak flow at one fixture while the others run. Frost on the pipe or a cold spot along its length is another sign. A pro can confirm it.

Why do pipes split when they freeze?

Water expands as it freezes, and the pressure inside the pipe can split it. The split often does not leak until the ice melts and the water is turned on, which is why the repair is found later.

What is the safest way to thaw a frozen pipe?

Warm air or a heat wrap rated for pipes, applied slowly, with the faucet open. Do not use an open flame or a torch, since the pipe, the wall and the framing can catch fire.

How do I keep pipes from freezing again?

Insulate the exposed pipes, seal the places where cold air enters, keep the heat on in the cold areas, and reroute the line where it is possible. A pro can show the weak spots in your home.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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