How to Tell If Pipes are Frozen 

Kentucky’s average low winter temperatures range from 25–29°F, well below freezing. These low overnight temperatures and sudden cold snaps can cause pipes to freeze. Frozen pipes are a common winter plumbing emergency that often get overlooked until the damage is already done.

This guide will share how to tell if pipes are frozen and how to safely thaw them. Knowing the warning signs of frozen pipes helps you detect them early and prevent damage to your home plumbing system. Read on to learn how to respond safely to frozen pipes in Kentucky.

Why Pipes Freeze in the First Place

Sub-freezing temperatures can cause exposed or uninsulated pipes to freeze. These pipes are often found in unheated spaces such as attics, crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls. When pipes are exposed to cold air without insulation, the water inside them can freeze.

When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to burst under pressure. In Kentucky, fluctuating winter temperatures make freezing less predictable. That’s why it’s so important to understand the signs of frozen pipes.

Early Warning Signs That Your Pipes May Be Frozen

There are several warning signs that your pipes may be frozen. These warning signs can help you detect frozen pipes early to prevent further damage and burst pipes. Here’s what to look for when temperatures dip below 32°F.

• Little or no water coming from faucets: When you turn your faucet on, you should normally have a steady flow. If you see that very little water is coming from your faucet, it’s a sign that your pipes are frozen.
• Toilets not refilling: If your toilets aren’t refilling after being flushed, it can mean you have frozen pipes.
• Frost or ice visible on pipes: If you notice frost or ice around exterior pipes, it’s a major red flag that they may be frozen.
• Strange smells coming from drains: Strange or foul odors from drains can be caused by ice blockages preventing food scraps and debris from flowing properly through your pipes.
• Unusual dripping or small leaks: If you notice unusual dripping or small leaks from your faucets, it can be due to thawing pipes.
• Cold surfaces or walls where pipes run: If surfaces where pipes run are cold to the touch, this could mean pipes are frozen or just starting to freeze.

Catching these signs early can prevent a burst pipe and costly repairs. Be aware of these signs to detect frozen pipes early.

How to Confirm a Pipe Is Frozen

If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, there are a couple of steps you can take to confirm.

First, check multiple faucets to determine if one section or whole-home supply is affected. If very little or no water is coming from multiple faucets, your whole-home supply has been impacted. Turn on taps to test the pressure or flow.

Next, inspect any accessible pipes in basements, crawlspaces, or under sinks. In your visual inspection, look for frost and bulges in the pipe. Bulges are often a precursor to bursting, so call a professional right away if found.

Safety disclaimer: Avoid actions that apply excessive heat or physical pressure to the pipes for your safety.

What NOT to Do if You Suspect a Frozen Pipe

If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, there are several things you should avoid doing. Here’s what you need to know:

• Never use open flames: Open flames from torches, lighters, or propane heaters are never a good idea. Only use space heaters, hair dryers, or heating pads to thaw pipes.
• Don’t hit or tap pipes: Tapping on pipes can cause them to crack or burst under pressure.
• Don’t ignore the problem: Frozen pipes can become burst pipes quickly, so don’t ignore the problem and call a professional.
• Avoid pouring boiling water on pipes: Boiling water can shock the pipes and cause them to rupture. Heat should only be applied gradually to avoid bursting the pipes, so never use boiling water.

How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Pipe

There are a few methods you can use to safely thaw a frozen pipe. If these methods don’t solve the issue, contact a professional plumber.

Here are a handful of homeowner-friendly methods:

• Open cabinet doors: Opening the cabinet doors allows warm air to circulate pipes, helping them thaw.
• Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater: These heating tools can be used at a safe distance to warm and thaw pipes.
• Increase thermostat temperature: You can turn up your home’s thermostat a few degrees to help thaw frozen pipes.
• Apply warm towels to exposed pipes: Warm (not hot) towels can be wrapped around exposed pipes to slowly warm the frozen water inside.
• Keep faucets open: Keeping faucets open helps to relieve pressure as ice melts.

If the pipe is inaccessible or beginning to leak, stop and call Dauenhauer immediately at (502) 308-3308.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Calling a professional plumber is never a bad idea when dealing with frozen pipes. There are several times when calling a professional is highly recommended:

• Water pressure issues persist after thawing attempts
• Pipe is bulging or shows signs of cracking
• Water begins leaking during thawing
• The frozen section is behind a wall, in the attic, or inaccessible
• You’re unsure how to safely thaw the pipe

Frozen pipes can quickly escalate into flooding and water damage, so it’s important to handle them as soon as possible. A professional plumbing service has specialized tools to thaw frozen pipes quickly, preventing bursting.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in the Future

Preventing frozen pipes can save you from costly repairs and prevent water damage to your home. To prevent frozen pipes in the future:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Pipe insulation significantly reduces the risk of frozen pipes.
• Seal drafts near plumbing: If you have any drafts near your plumbing, seal the leaks so cold air doesn’t get in.
• Keep heat consistent during cold snaps: Set your thermostat to an appropriate temperature during cold snaps to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Drip faucets during extreme cold: Letting faucets drip slightly during extremely low temperatures keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses: Disconnect outdoor hoses before winter to protect plumbing from freezing or cracking.
• Consider a whole-home plumbing inspection before winter: A licensed plumber can inspect your home plumbing system before winter to ensure you have proper precautions in place.

Dauenhauer offers winterization and preventative services to help Kentucky homeowners avoid the headache of frozen pipes.

Why Kentucky Homeowners Trust Dauenhauer

Dauenhauer has been serving Kentucky homeowners since 1958. Our licensed and insured plumbers have decades of experience with winter plumbing emergencies. We offer fast response times across Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, and Shelbyville.

Our plumbers are trained in frozen pipe repair and burst pipe prevention so you can rest assured you’re in good hands. Customers also love our honest pricing and reliable service. We have a reputation for quality and maintain it year after year.

Contact Dauenhauer for Frozen Pipe Issues

Frozen pipes are a serious winter risk, especially in Kentucky, but early detection can prevent major damage. Remember the warning signs of frozen pipes to catch freezing early and safely thaw pipes.

If you think your pipes are frozen or at risk of bursting, connect with us right away for fast, professional help.