Frozen pipe and no water coming out

When the weather is freezing and a tap gives you a trickle or nothing, a frozen pipe is a likely reason. Let's figure out whether it is your pipes or the street, and what is safe to try. We start with the cases that need a plumber or your water utility right away.

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Before you start. Never use a torch or any open flame on a pipe, and keep electrical devices away from standing water. If you smell gas, a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, you see smoke or sparks, or you smell burning, get out and call 911 from outside. For gas, also call your gas utility. Do not flip switches on the way out. If a pipe is cracked or leaking, shut off the water at the main if it turns easily by hand, then call a licensed plumber. Never force a stuck shutoff or a meter.

Every question and answer on this page, in order

Question 1: Which of these is closest to what you see right now?

This checker is for freezing weather. Pick the first one that fits. If you can, ask a neighbor whether they have water.

I see water leaking, spraying or pooling, or a cracked pipe: Leaking or cracked pipe: shut off the water and call a plumber
A neighbor or the whole street has no water either: Likely a problem on the utility's side
Only one faucet or fixture has no water: go to question 2
Every tap in my house is dry or a trickle, and neighbors have water or I have not asked: go to question 3
Water still runs normally, but my heat is out or it is very cold: Heat out: protect your pipes now

Question 2: Can you find the frosty or icy pipe and reach it easily?

Check under the sink, along outside walls, and in basements, crawl spaces and garages. A frozen area can show frost or ice on the pipe. Stay out of any standing water.

I can see it, but water is leaking, dripping or pooling, or the pipe looks cracked: Leaking or cracked pipe: shut off the water and call a plumber
Yes, I can see it and reach it, and it is dry: Likely cause: a frozen section you can reach
No, it may be inside a wall, or I cannot find or reach it: Frozen pipe you cannot find or reach

Question 3: Do you think the water meter is frozen, or does your main shutoff valve refuse to turn by hand?

The main shutoff is usually near the water meter. Turn it by hand only, and stop if it resists.

Yes, the meter may be frozen or the shutoff is stuck: Frozen meter or a stuck main shutoff
No, the shutoff turns easily and the meter seems fine: go to question 2

Possible results

Need the words for the phone call? Build a what-to-tell-the-plumber checklist, or read when to call a plumber.