When New Jersey temperatures drop below freezing, your plumbing can be at serious risk. Frozen pipes are more than just an inconvenience—they can burst, flood your home, and lead to thousands of dollars in damage. If you’re standing in your kitchen right now thinking, “Uh oh… my pipes might be frozen,” don’t panic. Here’s exactly what to do next.
🚨 Signs Your Pipes Might Be Frozen
Before you grab a space heater, look for these common warning signs:
- Little to no water coming from faucets
- Frost on exposed pipes (under sinks, in basements, crawl spaces, or garages)
- Unusual smells coming from drains
- Strange banging or whistling noises when you try to use water
If you notice any of these, time matters.
Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply
If a frozen pipe bursts, water damage happens fast. Find your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. This simple step could save your home from serious flooding.
Step 2: Open the Affected Faucet
Open the faucet that’s not getting water. This relieves pressure and gives melting ice a place to go once thawing begins. Pressure is what causes pipes to burst—relieving it is critical.
Step 3: Gently Start Warming the Pipe (If It’s Accessible)
If the frozen pipe is visible and easy to reach, you can safely begin thawing it using:
- A hair dryer
- Warm towels
- Turning up your home’s heat
- Opening cabinet doors to let warm air circulate
⚠️ Never use an open flame (like a torch). This can damage your pipes and create a serious fire hazard.
Important: In many homes, frozen pipes occur in hidden or hard-to-reach areas—inside walls, ceilings, crawl spaces, or underground. If you can’t clearly see or safely access the frozen section, do not try to guess where it is or open walls yourself. This is when it’s best to call a professional plumber who has the tools and experience to locate and thaw the pipe safely without causing further damage.
Step 4: Watch for Leaks
As the pipe begins to thaw, inspect it closely. Small cracks can turn into major leaks fast. If you notice dripping, water pooling, or bulging in the pipe—stop and call a professional immediately.
❌ What NOT to Do
- Don’t ignore the problem and “wait it out.”
- Don’t keep running the water full blast.
- Don’t attempt major pipe repairs yourself in freezing conditions.
When to Call Signature Plumbing
If you can’t find the frozen area, can’t safely access it, or if the pipe has already burst—call us right away. Frozen pipe emergencies are exactly what we’re here for.
At Signature Plumbing, we:
- Respond quickly
- Find the problem fast
- Prevent further damage
- Repair the pipe safely and correctly
One call can save you from thousands in water damage.
❄️ How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in the Future
Once things are back to normal, here’s how to protect your home next time it gets cold:
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Leave cabinets open during extreme cold
- Let faucets drip slowly overnight
- Keep garage doors closed
- Maintain consistent indoor heat
Final Thoughts
Frozen pipes are stressful—but you don’t have to handle them alone. Acting fast is the difference between a simple fix and a major cleanup.
If you think your pipes are frozen or have already burst, Signature Plumbing is ready to help with fast, honest, professional service—day or night.