Thaw a frozen pipe without cracking it

How to safely warm a frozen pipe and what to never do.

Last reviewed May 31, 2026 by the EveryDIY.ca editorial team

30–90 min $0 CAD pricing

Safety first. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. Smell gas? Leave the house and call your utility's emergency line — do not flip switches.

Find the freeze

Open the faucet served by the suspect line. No flow, with other faucets working, means that branch is frozen.

Heat slowly

Apply a hair dryer or heating pad starting at the faucet end, working back toward the frozen section. Keep the faucet open so steam can escape.

Never use

Open flame or propane torch
Boiling water poured directly on the pipe

If the pipe burst

Shut the main valve immediately and call a licensed plumber.

Need local help?

Need urgent local help?

Tell us what's happening. We'll connect you with a vetted local service provider.

Editorial note. Wear appropriate PPE. When in doubt — especially with electrical, gas, or structural work — hire a licensed Canadian tradesperson. See our safety policy.