If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle or no water comes out, you could have a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes that have cracked need to be replaced, but if they burst indoors, they can also result in serious water damage in that part of the house within hours of thawing out.
It’s best to call a licensed professional to help you with your repairs. However, there are a few things you can try at your own risk if you’re experienced with home maintenance work.
Step 1: Find the Frozen Pipe
Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
Open every faucet in your home to see which, if any, produces a trickle of water. This is a sign of a frozen pipe somewhere between the faucet and the water source. Starting at the plumbing nearest the faucet, follow the line away from it and feel every few feet to find the coldest pipes, which will likely hold the icy blockage.
And remember: If one pipe has frozen, that means others may be susceptible as well. To be sure, check all of the faucets in your home.
If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
Step 2: Limit the Amount of Water to Run Out
Shut off the water supply to the location of the frozen pipes (or the whole house) by turning it clockwise to its “off” position. When the frozen blockage finally thaws it may let out any additional liquid backed up behind it and turn up a surprise leak. Grab a bucket, towels, or a mop to prepare for any icy water that gushes out.
Step 3: Open Faucets
Drain all of the water remaining in the house by opening every faucet on every sink, shower, and tub, and flushing each toilet once.
Step 4: Heat Things Up
Apply heat to the frozen sections of pipe using an electric heating pad, a hairdryer, or a portable space heater until the full water pressure is restored. Warm the edge of the area closest to the nearest outlet in the plumbing, like in the kitchen or bathroom, so that steam or water can easily escape. A space heater can help concentrate heat to a particular location. Never use a blowtorch, propane heater, or other open flames.
Step 5: Slowly Restore Water Elsewhere
As you turn the water back on throughout the house via the main water supply valve, be on the lookout for any leaks. If you see any, turn off the water supply right away and call a plumber to make repairs. Close valves and faucets left open from Step 1.
If you have damage, call your insurance company to see if this is covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. To report a concern about frozen and/or leaking pipes, call the City of Aspen Utilities Department at 970-920-5110. After business hours, please call 970-920-5400.
Source: American Red Cross and Bob Vila.