S.W.A.T. Plumbing LLC helps homeowners respond quickly when frozen pipes threaten their home. The team explains safe thawing steps, checks for hidden damage, and restores water flow before a frozen pipe turns into a burst pipe emergency.

Freezing temperatures can hit fast, especially overnight. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe walls. Even if the pipe does not burst right away, damage may already be present. Knowing what to do the moment you wake up can protect your home and limit repairs.

Spot the Early Signs of Frozen Pipes

The first step is confirming that a pipe is frozen. Common signs include little or no water coming from a faucet, frost on exposed pipes, or unusual smells coming from drains. In some cases, only one fixture is affected while others still work.

Frozen pipes often occur in exterior walls, garages, attics, crawl spaces, or under sinks where insulation is limited. If multiple fixtures stop flowing at once, the frozen section may be closer to the main water supply.

Once a frozen pipe is suspected, act quickly but carefully.

Shut Off the Water Supply Before Thawing

Before attempting to thaw a pipe, shut off the home’s main water valve. This step is critical. As ice melts, pressure can build rapidly and cause a cracked pipe to burst.

Turning off the water limits flooding if the pipe has already weakened. Homeowners should know the location of the main shutoff valve ahead of cold weather. It is often found near the water meter, garage wall, or outside the home.

If you are unsure where the shutoff is, a licensed plumber can help identify it during a routine inspection.

Open Faucets to Relieve Pressure

After shutting off the water, open the affected faucet. This allows melted water and trapped air to escape as the pipe thaws. Keeping the faucet open reduces pressure inside the line and lowers the risk of a sudden break.

If both hot and cold water lines are frozen, open both sides. Leave the faucet open during the entire thawing process.

Thaw Pipes Slowly and Safely

Safe thawing is key. Apply gentle heat to the frozen section of pipe using a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater placed at a safe distance. Start near the faucet and work your way toward the frozen area. This helps melted water escape as the ice loosens.

Never use open flames, blowtorches, or propane heaters. These methods damage pipes and create fire risks.

If the frozen pipe is behind a wall, warming the room with a space heater or increasing the home’s thermostat may help. For hard-to-reach pipes, professional tools are often required.

More information on safe repair methods can be found on S.W.A.T. Plumbing’s Plumbing Services page.

Watch Closely for Leaks as Pipes Thaw

As the pipe warms, watch carefully for moisture, drips, or bulging sections. Even small cracks can release a lot of water once pressure returns. If you see water leaking, keep the main water valve closed and stop the thawing process.

Leaks may not always appear immediately. Some cracks stay hidden until water pressure is restored fully. This is why professional inspection after a freeze is important.

For detecting hidden damage inside walls or under floors, S.W.A.T. Plumbing explains their process on the Leak Detection & Repair page.

Restore Water Slowly After Thawing

Once the pipe is fully thawed and no leaks are visible, slowly turn the main water valve back on. Do this gradually to avoid sudden pressure changes.

Check all nearby fixtures and exposed pipes as water flows. Listen for unusual sounds and watch for signs of moisture over the next several hours. If pressure seems unstable or water discoloration appears, shut the water off again and call a plumber.

When to Call a Professional Plumber Right Away

Some frozen pipe situations require professional help from the start. Call a licensed plumber if:

You cannot locate the frozen section
The pipe is inside a wall or ceiling
Water has already leaked or flooded an area
Multiple pipes appear frozen
The pipe will not thaw with gentle heat

Frozen pipes often relate to insulation gaps or foundation-level plumbing. Homes in North Texas are especially vulnerable due to sudden cold snaps and shifting soil. S.W.A.T. Plumbing explains related underground risks on their Slab Leak Repair page.

For general cold-weather water safety tips, the EPA WaterSense Program offers helpful guidance. (Outbound link)

How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing Again

After the immediate issue is resolved, prevention becomes the priority. Insulating exposed pipes, sealing air leaks near plumbing, and keeping cabinets open during cold nights helps warm air circulate.

Letting faucets drip slightly during freezing temperatures reduces pressure inside the pipe. Maintaining consistent indoor temperatures overnight also lowers risk.

A licensed plumber can identify vulnerable areas and recommend long-term solutions, including pipe insulation upgrades or rerouting exposed lines.

How S.W.A.T. Plumbing Helps After a Freeze

S.W.A.T. Plumbing provides fast response, careful inspections, and clear explanations after frozen pipe events. Their team checks for hidden cracks, restores safe water flow, and helps homeowners prevent repeat issues.

One homeowner shared, “Our pipes froze overnight and wouldn’t thaw. S.W.A.T. found the frozen section, fixed a small crack, and helped us insulate the area so it wouldn’t happen again.”

Local experience and modern tools allow the team to handle freeze-related damage safely and efficiently.

If You’re Dealing With Frozen Pipes

If you’re dealing with frozen pipes or worried about overnight freezing, call 817-438-6142 to schedule a visit with S.W.A.T. Plumbing LLC. Their licensed plumbers can thaw pipes safely, check for damage, and help protect your home from burst pipes.