When temperatures drop, water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipes to crack or burst. A single burst pipe can dump gallons of water into your home, damaging floors, walls, or appliances. This guide walks you through how to fix frozen pipes safely and how to stop them from freezing again this winter.
Pipes freeze when the water inside them turns solid, usually because of cold outside temperatures and inadequate insulation.
Both metal and plastic pipes are vulnerable. Often, the most at-risk pipes run through unheated spaces such as garages, exterior walls, attics, or crawl spaces.
When ice blocks a pipe, water flow stops. That in itself hurts: no water for faucets, showers, or appliances. More dangerously, pressure builds between the ice plug and the closed faucet or shut-off valve. That pressure can easily crack or burst a pipe at a weak point further down the line.
If a freeze becomes a burst, thawing releases water suddenly, flooding rooms, damaging property, and triggering expensive repairs.
That’s why quick action and prevention matter more than reactive repairs.
First, shut off your home’s main water supply before doing anything else. This prevents flooding if there’s an unseen crack in a pipe. Keep faucets open while thawing so that melting water and pressure can escape.
Next, locate the frozen section. Look for unusually cold spots on exposed pipes or frost on exterior walls. In hidden walls, the coldest section often signals where ice is plugged.
Use gentle, safe heat to thaw the pipe, starting from the faucet end and working backward toward the ice blockage. Recommended tools include a hair-dryer, a portable space heater, or heat tape designed for plumbing. Never use an open flame, torch, or unapproved heat source.
As ice melts and water begins to flow, keep the faucet open and monitor for leaks. If water starts gushing, turn off the water supply and call a professional right away. Attempting to continue thawing under pressure can widen a crack into a full-blown burst.
If the frozen pipe is inside a wall or otherwise unreachable safely, skip DIY and call a licensed plumber. Hidden bursts can cause black mold and structural damage long before signs become visible.
Prevention works far better than emergency thawing. First, insulate exposed or vulnerable pipes with foam sleeves or insulation tape. This reduces heat loss and protects pipes during cold spells.
Make sure areas like garages, crawl spaces, attics, or basements stay above freezing temperatures. If your heating is turned way down while you are away or at night, pipes in those zones risk freezing. Many experts recommend keeping the heating on at a low but steady setting when outside temperatures are below freezing.
Another useful precaution is to open small taps slightly during cold snaps so water flows slowly. Even a trickle prevents water from sitting still and freezing inside the pipe.
Seal gaps and drafts around windows, doors, or where pipes pass through walls to prevent cold air from reaching plumbing. And routinely inspect pipes for wear, insulation loss, or previous freeze marks; early detection helps avoid problems altogether.
If you find cracked or bulging pipes, or if thawing reveals leaks, don’t wait. Water damage can escalate fast once the ice melts.
Calling professionals ensures the pipe is replaced or repaired properly and the system is pressure-tested before use. Many homeowners underestimate how a small crack can lead to hundreds of gallons released when the pipe thaws.
At that point, our team is ready to help. We offer inspections, safe thawing, pipe replacement, and full winter-proofing to reduce risk going forward. Our experience with winter emergencies means we move fast before a small freeze becomes a big disaster.
Frozen pipes are a hidden winter threat. If you act quickly, shut off water, thaw pipes safely, and inspect for damage, you can avoid a flooding disaster.
If you want to skip the risk, investing in insulation, maintaining steady heat, and scheduling a winter plumbing check saves money and stress. If trouble hits, we’re ready to step in with fast and reliable service before small freezes turn into costly cleanup.
Take action now while the frost is still in the forecast. Call FS Group today.
1. How do I know if my frozen pipe has already cracked?
You can tell a frozen pipe has cracked if there is swelling along the pipe, water staining on nearby walls, or dripping once the ice begins to melt. If you see any of these signs, keep the water off and call a professional immediately.
2. How long should it take to fix frozen pipes once a plumber arrives?
Most frozen pipe repairs take one to three hours, depending on access, insulation, and whether the pipe has burst. Thawing alone is quick, but replacement takes longer. FS Group completes most emergency fixes on the first visit.
3. Can I use central heating alone to fix frozen pipes inside walls?
Raising indoor heat helps, but it rarely thaws a fully frozen section inside a cold cavity. You usually need targeted heat, pipe access, or a controlled thawing method. A plumber can identify the exact frozen point without damaging the wall.
4. Is it safe to turn the water back on if I am not sure whether the frozen pipe burst?
It is safer to keep the water supply off until the pipe is fully thawed and inspected. Turning it on too early can flood the property if a hidden crack opens. A pressure test from a plumber confirms it’s safe.
5. How much does it usually cost to fix frozen pipes in the UK during winter?
Costs vary based on access and damage, but homeowners typically pay between £120 and £350 for thawing and minor repairs. Burst pipe replacements cost more. FS Group provides fixed pricing after inspection, so you know the total upfront.
