How to thaw frozen pipes
Get your water flowing again in 3 simple steps
It’s important to thaw a frozen water pipe quickly and correctly.
Take these 3 simple steps to avoid a burst pipe and flooding:
Step 1: Find the frozen section of the pipe. (Frozen sections are often next to an exterior wall or where the water service enters the home).
Step 2: Open the nearest cold water faucet that the pipe feeds water into. This will lessen pressure in the system and let the water escape once you start thawing the pipe. You’ll know the pipe has thawed when the water starts flowing again.
Step 3: Use one of these methods to apply heat:
- Wrap an electric heating pad around the frozen section of the pipe.
- Use a hair dryer, pointing the heat at the frozen section of the pipe nearest to the faucet.
- Position a portable heater so that the heat can reach the frozen pipe. Do not place the heater near any items that could catch fire.
Pipe still frozen?
If you’ve followed the steps and your pipe is still frozen, call 905-791-7800 for more help or to book a service call.
Frozen pipe prevention and coverage
- Watch how to prevent frozen indoor pipes.
- Consider enrolling in Service Line Warranties of Canada’s water service line warranty program. It provides protection for your private side property from broken or frozen pipes.
