When the cold temperature drops below freezing, your home’s plumbing becomes vulnerable. Frozen pipes can block water flow, damage your plumbing, and result in expensive repairs if a frozen pipe bursts. But how can you recognize the warning signs of freezing water pipes before it’s too late? From changes in water pressure to strange noises, spotting the signs early can save you from potential damage to your plumbing system.

Uh Oh — Common Signs That Your Pipes Might Be Freezing

When a pipe begins to freeze, it expands and puts tremendous pressure on the pipe walls. This partial freeze often causes noticeable issues. Here are signs to watch for:

  • Reduced or No Water Flow: A sudden drop in water pressure or a complete lack of flow from your faucets is one of the clearest signs.
  • Unusual Sounds: Banging, clanking, or gurgling noises from your water pipes may indicate that ice is forming inside and restricting flow.
  • Visible Frost on Pipes: Check exposed pipes in basements, attics, or under sinks. The presence of frost or condensation on the surface can signal pipe freezing.
  • Cold Spots in Walls or Floors: Pipes hidden behind exterior walls or under floors can make surfaces noticeably colder to the touch.
  • Foul Odors from Drains: A frozen pipe can block airflow, forcing bad smells back up through your sinks or drain pipes.
Checking to see if a radiator has cool spots on the top.
Is your radiator cold? Consider whether or not the pipes in your home leading to the system are frozen. Credit: Tatiana Meteleva / Getty Images

What to Do if Your Pipes Are Freezing

Act quickly. You need to prevent them from bursting:

  1. Turn Off the Water Supply. Locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off. This step minimizes the risk of flooding if the pipe bursts.
  2. Open Faucets. Turn on both hot- and cold-water faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes and allow any remaining water to escape.
  3. Apply a heat source to the frozen section. Use a hair dryer, space heater, or electric heating pad to gently warm the pipe. Start at the faucet and work toward the frozen area. Never use an open flame or blowtorch; even an electric heat gun can be too much for your plumbing.
  4. Open your cabinet doors. If the pipe is under a sink or inside a cabinet, open the doors to allow warm air from the room to circulate.
  5. Call a licensed plumber (if necessary). If you’re unable to locate or safely thaw the frozen plumbing, contact a professional plumber for assistance.
A frozen pipe burst in a wall joist.
When your copper pipes freeze, be on the lookout for bursts. Credit: FurryZen / Getty Images
An insulated hose spigot on a brick house.
Winterize your hose and spigot. Adding insulation can also prevent burst pipes when temperatures drop. Credit: Sean Gladwell / Getty Images

Tips to Prevent Future Freezing

The best defense against frozen pipes is preparation and maintenance. Taking preventative measures can help you avoid the hassle and expensive damage from frozen or burst pipes:

  • Insulate Pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas, like attics, crawl spaces, and garages, with foam or fiberglass plumbing insulation.
  • Seal Drafts: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps in walls, windows, and doors that let cold air in near pipes.
  • Let Faucets Drip: Running a trickle of water keeps it moving through the pipes, reducing the chance of freezing.
  • Maintain a Consistent Ambient Temperature: Keep your home heated, even when you’re away for an extended period. Setting the thermostat to no lower than 55°F can help.
  • Use Heating Cables: In extremely cold climates, install heat cables or tape along vulnerable pipes for additional protection.
A burst copper pipe sprays water in a basement.
You might not realize a pipe has burst until it thaws. Credit: cmannphoto / Getty Images

FAQ

At what temperature do pipes freeze?

Pipes are at risk of freezing when the temperature drops to 20°F or lower. However, pipes in exposed areas with inadequate insulation may freeze at higher temperatures, especially during prolonged cold spells.

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Should I use hot water to thaw frozen pipes?

Rapid temperature change can cause cracked pipes, so don't pour hot water on them if that's what you're thinking. Instead, use gentle heat sources like a hair dryer or heating pad to gradually thaw it. If your only option is hot water, wrap your pipes with towels soaked in hot water.