Tips and tricks

Frozen Pipes or Pipe Burst? Advice from a Master Plumber

Frozen water line

After 30 years in the plumbing business, I’ve seen just about everything when it comes to winter plumbing issues here in North Texas. Frozen pipes and burst pipes are two of the most common cold-weather headaches I deal with every year, and trust me—these problems can cause serious damage if not handled correctly. As a plumber with decades of experience and proud member of the Total Plumbing Service team, I want to share my best advice for homeowners facing these issues and offer some tips to prevent them from happening in the first place.

How to Spot Frozen Pipes or a Burst Pipe

First, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. A frozen pipe can quickly escalate into a burst pipe if you’re not careful, so recognizing the warning signs early is crucial.

Signs Your Pipes Might Be Frozen:

  • You turn on a faucet, but water only trickles out or doesn’t flow at all.
  • You notice frost or ice forming on exposed pipes.

 

Signs of a Burst Pipe:

  • Sudden puddles of water or dripping in places it shouldn’t be.
  • A sudden drop in water pressure.
  • Water stains or damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors.
  • You hear water running even when all your faucets are off.

 

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with frozen pipes or a burst pipe, err on the side of caution and shut off your water supply until you can confirm.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

I’ve seen too many homeowners panic when they discover frozen pipes. Don’t worry—it’s fixable, but you need to act fast to avoid a burst. Here’s what I recommend:

 

  1. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
    Locate the main water shut-off valve (usually near your water meter or where the main line enters your home) and turn it off. This step relieves pressure in the system and can prevent a frozen pipe from bursting.
  2. Find the Frozen Section
    Check areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, or along exterior walls—these spots are more exposed to the cold. Look for frost or icy patches on the pipe.
  3. Thaw the Pipe Safely
    • Use a hairdryer, space heater, or wrap the pipe with warm towels. Start thawing near the faucet and work your way toward the frozen section.
    • Never use an open flame. I’ve seen homes damaged by people trying to thaw pipes with blowtorches or lighters—it’s not worth the risk.
  1. Keep Faucets Open
    As the ice melts, running water will help clear out the blockage and reduce pressure.
  2. Check for Cracks or Leaks
    Once the pipe is thawed, inspect it carefully. Even small cracks can lead to big problems. If you find any damage, give us a call at Total Plumbing Service right away.

What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, time is of the essence. Water damage can get expensive fast, so follow these steps immediately:

  1. Turn Off the Water Supply
    This is the first and most important step. Shutting off the water stops the flooding and limits damage to your home.
  2. Turn Off Electricity if Needed
    If water is pooling near electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, turn off the electricity in that area. Safety first!
  3. Drain the Pipes
    Open all your faucets to drain the remaining water from your plumbing system. 
  4. Clean Up Standing Water
    Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove water quickly. The less water that seeps into your walls, floors, or furniture, the better.
  5. Call Total Plumbing Service
    Burst pipes are not a DIY repair job. Our team at Total Plumbing Service has the tools and expertise to replace damaged pipes and restore your system.

Preventing Frozen and Burst Pipes

Over the years, I’ve learned that prevention is always better than repair. Here are my top tips to keep your pipes safe during winter:

  • Insulate Exposed Pipes: Use foam insulation or pipe sleeves on pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
  • Let Faucets Drip: During extreme cold, keep a small trickle of water running in your faucets. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
  • Seal Drafts: Close any gaps or cracks around doors, windows, or pipes that let cold air in.
  • Keep the Heat On: Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, even when you’re away. I recommend setting your thermostat to at least 55°F.
  • Winterize Outdoor Plumbing: Disconnect garden hoses, shut off water to outdoor faucets, and drain sprinkler systems before the first freeze.

 

Why Total Plumbing Service Is Your Best Choice

After 30 years in the plumbing industry, I’ve seen how overwhelming these situations can be for homeowners. At Total Plumbing Service, we’re here to make things easier for you. Whether it’s a frozen pipe, a burst pipe, or preparation to prevent these issues, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t wait until a minor issue turns into a major disaster. Call us today at 972-681-4434 to schedule an appointment. When it comes to your home’s plumbing, trust the team with experience, knowledge, and a commitment to getting the job done right.

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