If you have frozen pipes, immediately shut off your main water supply valve. Next, open the faucet of the frozen pipe to relieve pressure as it thaws. You can then try to thaw the frozen pipe by applying gentle heat with a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm cloths. Never use an open flame.

If you can’t find the blockage, the pipe is behind a wall, or it has already burst, call for 24/7 emergency service.

Shut off the main water supply.
Open the affected faucet to let water drip out as it melts.
Apply gentle, even heat—never a torch or open flame.
Call a professional if the pipe is split, in a wall, or won’t thaw.
Insulate pipes before the next cold snap to prevent pipes from freezing.

Your First 3 Steps for Frozen Pipes
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely
What NOT to Do: Avoid These Costly Mistakes
How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing in Minnesota
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Frequently Asked Questions

Your First 3 Steps for Frozen Pipes

A frozen pipe is a major emergency. The ice blockage builds pressure that can cause your pipe to split or burst, leading to a flood. If you suspect a pipe is frozen (no water is coming out of a faucet), follow these steps immediately.

Shut Off Your Main Water Supply Your main water shut-off valve is usually located where the water pipe enters your home, often in a basement, crawl space, or utility closet. Turning this off will prevent a major flood if the pipe bursts.
Open the Affected Faucet Open the cold and hot taps for the faucet that isn’t working. This relieves any built-up pressure in the line and gives the melting water a place to escape as you thaw the pipe.
Locate the Frozen Area Look for the section of pipe that is frozen. It will often have frost on it or may even have a slight bulge. This most commonly occurs in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or pipes located in exterior walls.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

Once you’ve found the blockage, use gentle heat. Start thawing the pipe from the faucet end and work your way back toward the blockage. This ensures the melting ice can flow out properly.

Safe Thawing Methods:

Hair Dryer: Use a standard hair dryer on a low-to-medium setting. Keep it moving back and forth across the pipe.
Heating Pad: Wrap an electric heating pad around the pipe.
Warm Cloths: Soak towels in hot water, wring them out, and wrap them around the frozen section.

What NOT to Do: Avoid These Costly Mistakes

Trying to thaw a pipe the wrong way can be dangerous and lead to a fire or a burst pipe.

NEVER use an open flame. Do not use a propane torch, lighter, or any kind of open flame. This is a severe fire hazard and can damage the pipe.
Do not use a space heater or heat lamp. These are difficult to control and can overheat the area or nearby combustible materials.
Do not try to thaw it too fast. Applying intense heat can cause the water inside to boil or steam, increasing pressure and bursting the pipe.

How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing in Minnesota

As residents of Central Minnesota, we know prevention is the best strategy. Here’s how to protect your home, cabin, or business.

What is Cabin Winterization? This is a professional service to prepare a lake home or cabin for winter. It includes blowing out sprinkler lines and water lines and performing drain maintenance to ensure no water is left to freeze, expand, and break your plumbing.

Before a Deep Freeze:

Insulate all pipes in unheated areas (crawl spaces, attics, garages).
Seal air leaks in your home, especially around where pipes enter.
Schedule a professional cabin winterization service.
Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems.

During Extreme Cold Snaps:

Let cold water drip slowly from the faucet farthest from your water main.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow your home’s warm air to circulate around the pipes.
Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even at night or when you’re away.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you’re dealing with frozen pipes, “Better Get Gilk.” Call us immediately if you are in any of the following situations:

The pipe has already burst and is leaking.
You cannot safely thaw the pipe.
The frozen pipe is in an inaccessible area, like behind a wall.
Your water lines or septic lines are frozen underground.

We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing and specialized pipe thawing services. For tough blockages in main water lines, we can use our water jetting equipment to safely and effectively cut through the ice and restore flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pipes are frozen? The most common sign is no water, or only a small trickle, coming from a faucet when you turn it on. You may also see frost on the pipe itself.

Is it okay to let a frozen pipe thaw on its own? No, this is very risky. The pressure from the blockage can cause the pipe to burst as it thaws. It’s crucial to relieve pressure by opening the faucet.

Will my pipe burst if it’s frozen? Not always, but it’s a major risk. The ice itself doesn’t burst the pipe—the pressure of the water trapped between the ice blockage and the closed faucet does.

How much does it cost to fix a frozen pipe? This varies. A simple, accessible pipe thaw is less expensive. A burst pipe that causes water damage will be significantly more costly to repair.

At what temperature do pipes freeze? Pipes in uninsulated areas can freeze when the outside temperature drops below 20°F. The risk is highest in areas with poor insulation and direct exposure to cold drafts.

Does homeowners insurance cover burst pipes? Often, insurance policies cover the resulting water damage, but they may not cover the cost of repairing the pipe itself. Check your specific policy.

Don’t Risk a Burst Pipe This Winter

A frozen pipe is a true plumbing emergency. If you’re in Richmond, Cold Spring, Paynesville, or the surrounding Central Minnesota area, the experts at Gilk Services are ready to help, 24/7.

If you have frozen pipes or want to schedule a cabin winterization, call us immediately at (320) 597-3200.

By The Gilk Services Team Last Updated: October 30, 2025
Gilk Services is a licensed and bonded plumbing contractor (Plumbing License: PC644312) providing 24/7 emergency pipe thawing and plumbing services in Central Minnesota.