What to Do When a Pipe Freezes

Massachusetts winters put real strain on plumbing, especially pipes running through unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen (but not yet leaking)

Shut off the fixture connected to that pipe, open the faucet slightly to relieve pressure, and apply gentle heat to the pipe if it's accessible (a hair dryer on low, or warm towels — never an open flame).

If a pipe has already burst

Shut off your home's main water valve immediately — this matters more than anything else in the moment. Then call a plumber.

Preventing it next time

Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps, let faucets drip slightly on the coldest nights, and make sure any exposed pipes in unheated areas are insulated before winter.

⚠️ A burst pipe can flood a home fast. If you find one, shut off your main water valve immediately, then call a plumber.