Vent, Valve & Volt
Frozen pipe and no water coming out

This one needs a licensed pro

Leaking or cracked pipe: shut off the water and call a plumber

A cracked or leaking pipe keeps putting out water as the ice melts. Shut off the water at the main if it turns easily, keep clear of standing water near anything electrical, and call a licensed plumber.

Why this happens

The American Red Cross says water expands as it freezes and can break metal or plastic pipes, no matter how strong they are. Travelers adds that you may not know a pipe has burst while the water is ice, and that leaking and flooding can start once things warm up and thawing begins. Family Handyman says pipes often burst as temperatures start to warm and frozen sections begin to melt.

What to do right now

  1. Stay out of standing water, and do not touch or plug in anything electrical near it. If water is dripping through a light fixture or has reached an outlet, stay well clear and keep others away. Family Handyman warns about wire damage and electrocution after a pipe bursts.
  2. Shut off the water at the main shutoff, but only if you can reach it without walking through standing water. If you cannot, skip this step and call a licensed plumber right away. The Philadelphia Water Department points to the house-side valve near your water meter. Turn it by hand only. If it will not turn, do not force it, and call a licensed plumber right away.
  3. Once the water is off at the main, leave the faucets open, as State Farm advises. Travelers also says to open faucets to drain the remaining water from the pipes.
  4. Set out buckets and towels to catch water, and move belongings up and out of the way. Travelers and This Old House suggest the buckets and towels, and Family Handyman suggests moving belongings out of the way.
  5. Call a licensed plumber. In Philadelphia, the water department says a licensed plumber must repair a damaged pipe and that the utility is not responsible for your pipes.
  6. If water reached outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, keep clear and also call a licensed electrician before you use anything electrical in that area. Do not wade through water to reach the panel or a switch. If you see smoke or sparks, or smell burning, get everyone out and call 911 from outside.
  7. Family Handyman suggests calling your homeowners insurance company and documenting the damage with photos, video and notes.

When to stop. Do not try to thaw a pipe that is cracked or leaking. This Old House says to turn off the water and call a plumber if you find cracks or damage. Never force a shutoff that will not turn.

What to tell the plumber

  • Which pipe froze and where, and whether it is leaking now.
  • When you shut off the water, and whether the main turned easily.
  • Whether water reached outlets, appliances or the electrical panel.
  • Whether other taps in the house are also dry.

Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.

Start this troubleshooter over

References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
  1. American Red Cross: Preventing and thawing frozen pipes
  2. Travelers: How to help prevent frozen pipes
  3. Family Handyman: Frozen pipes, what you need to know
  4. State Farm: How to help prevent pipes from freezing
  5. Philadelphia Water Department: All about frozen pipes
  6. This Old House: How to unfreeze pipes

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