If you have frozen pipes, shut off your main water valve before attempting to thaw anything — this limits damage when the pipe thaws and water starts moving. Apply gentle heat from a hair dryer, never an open flame. If you hear a drip or see water when the pipe thaws, the pipe has cracked — call a plumber immediately.
Frozen pipes in DFW are a time-sensitive situation. The decision you make in the first few minutes determines whether you get through this without water damage or whether you're dealing with a major repair.
nnStep 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply
nBefore you try to thaw anything, shut off your main water valve. If the pipe has already cracked (which you may not know yet), thawing it with the supply on will immediately start flooding. With the supply off, a cracked pipe drains only the water in the line between the shutoff and the crack — much less damage than a supply line running at full pressure.
nnStep 2: Open the Faucet on the Frozen Line
nOpen the faucet that the frozen pipe supplies. This releases pressure and gives the water a path to flow when the ice melts.
nnStep 3: Apply Gentle Heat
nA hair dryer works well. Start at the faucet end and work toward the frozen section. Electric heating tape applied along the pipe also works. Never use an open flame — propane torches have caused house fires when used on pipes in wall cavities and attic spaces. Never pour boiling water on a frozen pipe.
nnStep 4: Assess for Damage
nWhen the pipe thaws, restore the water supply slowly and watch for drips or sprays. If the pipe has burst, you'll know immediately — shut off the main supply again and call Staggs Plumbing at 682-284-0966. We respond 24/7 and arrive with the parts needed for burst pipe repair.
