Auburn, IN Pipe Repair: Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

Estimated Read Time: 11 minutes

Frozen pipe and no water flowing? Here is how to fix frozen pipes safely using a hair dryer or space heater. This step-by-step guide shows you what to do, what not to do, and when to call a pro. If you are in Fort Wayne or nearby, our 24/7 team can help same day.

Read This First: Safety Rules You Cannot Skip

Frozen pipes often crack when thawed too fast, so stay calm and work methodically. Start by locating the main water shutoff and clear the area around the suspect pipe. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. Torches and grills ignite framing and insulation and can split pipes. Space heaters and hair dryers are safer when used correctly.

Key safety musts:

1. Turn off power to any nearby outlets if there is standing water.
2. Keep all heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
3. Do not leave a heater unattended. Unplug when you stop.
4. Use GFCI-protected outlets in bathrooms and basements when possible.
5. If you see bulging pipe, active leaks, or scorch marks, stop and call a plumber.

Hard facts that matter:

• Open flames are a leading cause of home fires during winter heating. A simple hair dryer or space heater is the safer method.
• Rapid heat on a sealed, frozen line can create steam and pressure spikes that rupture copper or PEX. Warm the pipe slowly and allow water to trickle.

How To Tell If Your Pipe Is Frozen

A frozen pipe is often discovered when a faucet stops or slows to a trickle. In Fort Wayne, we see this on north-facing walls, crawl spaces, garages, and mobile homes after overnight lows. Clues include frost on the pipe, a pipe that feels icy, or a section behind a sink base that is much colder than surrounding areas.

Do this quick check:

1. Try several fixtures. If hot and cold both fail on one sink, the pipe near that run is likely frozen.
2. If many fixtures are out, the main or a branch feeding multiple rooms may be frozen.
3. Open the faucet served by the frozen line. A small drip reduces pressure while you thaw.

Tools and Prep

You do not need specialty tools to start. Gather:

• Hair dryer with high and low settings
• Small space heater with tip-over protection
• Heavy towels to catch drips
• Thermometer or infrared temp gun if you have one
• Flashlight and a small mirror for tight spaces

Pro tip from our field crews: Set a steady drip at the open faucet before you apply heat. Moving water speeds thawing and reduces pressure spikes.

Thawing With a Hair Dryer: Step-by-Step

The hair dryer is the safest and most controllable tool for a single frozen section you can reach.

1. Open the affected faucet on both hot and cold. A slow drip is the goal.
2. Start at the faucet end of the frozen pipe. Warm the section closest to the fixture first so meltwater can escape.
3. Hold the dryer 6 to 8 inches from the pipe. Sweep back and forth in slow passes. Keep the heat moving.
4. Work your way along the pipe toward the colder area. Do not linger on one spot for more than 10 seconds.
5. As flow improves, keep gentle heat on the pipe for 10 more minutes to reduce re-freeze.
6. Inspect for leaks. Look for pinholes, drips at joints, and damp insulation. Dry everything you can reach.

If you are thawing PEX, keep the dryer in constant motion. For PVC drain lines, use only warm air, not high heat.

Thawing With a Space Heater: Step-by-Step

Use a space heater when the frozen section is behind a vanity, in a small utility room, or under a kitchen sink.

1. Move combustibles 3 feet away. Place the heater on a level, nonflammable surface.
2. Aim heat toward the cabinet or wall cavity that hides the frozen run. Open cabinet doors.
3. Set the heater to low or medium. Warm the space gradually for 20 to 45 minutes.
4. Keep the nearby faucet open to a drip. Listen for water to resume.
5. Once flow returns, run water for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep the heater on low for another 15 minutes.

Do not use extension cords with high-wattage heaters. If the outlet trips, stop and call a pro to avoid electrical hazards.

What Not To Do

Avoid these common mistakes that cause floods and fires:

1. No open flames. Torches, lighters, and candles are unsafe and often illegal indoors.
2. Do not pound or twist frozen pipes. Shock can crack fittings.
3. Do not close valves while thawing. Trapped steam can burst pipes.
4. Do not aim heat at a meter, PRV, or plastic fixtures. Warm the surrounding air first.

When To Stop DIY and Call a Pro

DIY thawing is fine for a single accessible run. Call Summers if you see any of the following:

• Multiple fixtures out or the main line is frozen
• Bulging pipe, water stains, or a known slab or crawl space freeze
• A mobile home with frozen underbelly lines or heat tape issues
• Re-freeze within hours after your attempt

Why choose our team:

• Available 24/7 for emergencies. We dispatch locally from Fort Wayne.
• We use advanced tools like thermal imaging and line detection to locate hidden freezes and leaks.
• Our workmanship and labor are backed by warranties. We also offer a price-match guarantee.

After the Thaw: Leak Check and Quick Repairs

Ice can split a seam or crack PEX fittings. After water returns, check:

• Every visible joint for drips
• Under-sink traps and supply lines for pinholes
• Crawl spaces and basements for fresh water trails

If you find a small drip, shut off the local stop valve or the main. Wrap the section with a towel and place a bucket. Our plumbers can repair copper, PEX, or PVC, replace split valves, and perform camera inspections to rule out additional damage.

Prevent Frozen Pipes Next Time

Prevention costs less than repairs. Do the following before the next cold snap:

1. Insulate vulnerable runs. Foam sleeves on basement, garage, and crawl space lines are inexpensive.
2. Seal air leaks. Caulk and foam around sill plates, pipe penetrations, and hose bibs.
3. Add heat tape where required. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use GFCI-protected outlets.
4. Let faucets drip during single-digit nights. A steady drip reduces freeze risk.
5. Open vanity and kitchen cabinet doors on exterior walls to circulate warm air.
6. Maintain consistent indoor heat. Even when away, keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F.

Our maintenance plans can include seasonal plumbing inspections. We check shutoff valves, exposed lines, sump pumps, and outside spigots.

Special Situations: Mobile Homes, Crawl Spaces, and Well Lines

• Mobile homes: Heat tape and belly insulation are critical. Replace brittle or nonworking heat tape. Check skirting for gaps that let in wind.
• Crawl spaces: Close vents during severe cold and place a low-wattage heater temporarily near the affected area. Never place heaters on insulation.
• Well and yard hydrants: Protect exposed lines with insulation and heated cable rated for outdoor use. Insulate well pits and seal lids.

If your line is under a slab or yard, we can thaw and bypass with PEX, then schedule a permanent repipe or reroute once the ground thaws.

Costs, Timing, and What to Expect in the Fort Wayne Area

Simple, accessible thaws typically take 45 to 90 minutes. Hidden or multiple freezes can take longer, especially with crawl space access or slab work. Repair costs vary by pipe material and damage location. We provide upfront pricing and a price-match guarantee. Many homeowners schedule a camera inspection after a freeze to verify line integrity. Ask about membership discounts on diagnostic and repair services.

Why Summers for Pipe Thawing and Repair

We specialize in the full pipe lifecycle:

• Pipe thawing and burst repair
• Leak detection and line locating
• Drain camera inspections and sewer repairs
• Repiping and supply line upgrades

Local insight matters. Fort Wayne cold snaps, wind exposure on north walls, and unheated garages are frequent culprits. Our team addresses the root cause, not just the symptom, and we stand behind our work with warranties.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Adam and Austin came out to fix a burst pipe today and their professionalism and expertise really stood out! They fixed the problem quickly and on time! I appreciated the time they took explaining to me the problem and it's solution. Highly recommend Summers!"
–Sally S., Burst Pipe Repair

"I had a major leak in my main water line and drain line. Summers Plumbing did the repair in a timely manner. The plumbers were on site right when I called and did an excellent job. I would highly recommend! 10/10"
–Shoggoth A., Main Line Leak Repair

"We called them for a water main leak under the concrete in the garage. They arrived within an hour, and provided a reasonable quote. He got to work immediately, and fixed the issue promptly. The technician was polite, and kept us updated on the status. I will definitely refer your company, and use you again for any problems in the future."
–Barb R., Water Main Repair

"My pipes in my mobile home froze up last night even though my faucets were dripping. I called Summers and they were out within 2 hrs.Joshua was very professional and explained my options very clearly. I am very thankful that he was able to thaw them out within an hour."
–Debra R., Frozen Pipe Thawing

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to thaw a frozen pipe with a hair dryer?

Most accessible runs thaw in 30 to 60 minutes. Work from the faucet toward the frozen section and keep water dripping. If nothing changes after an hour, call a pro.

Is it safe to use a space heater to thaw pipes?

Yes, when used correctly. Keep a 3-foot clearance, place it on a stable surface, and do not leave it unattended. Warm the room or cavity, not just one spot on the pipe.

Will a frozen pipe always burst when it thaws?

Not always. Many pipes thaw without damage, but ice can cause hidden cracks. After thawing, run water and inspect all joints and nearby areas for leaks.

What temperature should I keep my home to prevent freezing?

Keep heat at 55°F or higher. Open cabinet doors on exterior walls and let faucets drip during severe cold to reduce freeze risk.

When should I stop DIY and call a plumber?

If multiple fixtures stop, you cannot access the frozen area, you see bulging pipe, or breakers trip when using heaters, stop and call a 24/7 plumber for help.

Bottom Line

You can learn how to fix frozen pipes with a hair dryer or space heater and avoid damage with a steady, safe approach. If the line is hidden, multiple fixtures stop, or you spot leaks, call our Fort Wayne team for fast help.

Call, Schedule, or Chat Now

• Call: (260) 222-8183
• Schedule Online: https://www.summersphc.com/fort-wayne/

Need emergency thawing or burst repair tonight? We are available 24/7 and back our work with warranties on workmanship and labor.

Call now for 24/7 frozen pipe help at (260) 222-8183 or schedule online at https://www.summersphc.com/fort-wayne/ for same-day service in Fort Wayne and nearby cities.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has served Fort Wayne and nearby communities for over 40 years. Homeowners choose us for licensed, background-checked technicians, emergency service 24/7, and value-driven pricing with a price-match guarantee. We back our work with warranties on workmanship and labor. From pipe thawing and leak repair to camera inspections and repiping, we bring advanced tools and local know-how to every job.