Should I Turn Off the Water if Pipes Are Frozen?

Why Frozen Pipes Are So Dangerous

Frozen pipes are one of the fastest ways to end up with water damage, mold growth, ruined drywall, and an unexpected repair bill that makes your stomach drop. Here’s why.

When water freezes, it expands. That expansion creates pressure inside the pipe. And it’s not usually the ice itself that breaks the pipe; it’s the trapped water between the ice blockage and the closed faucet or valve. Pressure builds and builds until the pipe cracks or bursts.

And once the pipe starts thawing? That’s when the real mess begins.

A burst pipe can dump gallons of water into your home in minutes, soaking floors, ceilings, cabinets, and anything else in its path. If it happens in a wall or crawl space, you may not even notice until the damage is already extensive.

Do You Need to Turn Off the Water if Pipes Are Frozen?

This is the question homeowners ask the most, and the answer is: Sometimes, yes. It depends on what you’re seeing.

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t shut off the whole house, you may be able to shut off the water to the affected fixture or line if there’s an accessible valve.

How to Tell if a Frozen Pipe Is at Risk of Bursting

Not all frozen pipes burst. So, how can you tell if your situation is heading in a dangerous direction? Here are warning signs that a frozen pipe is about to burst:

• No Water Flow: A complete blockage can mean the pipe is fully frozen, and pressure is building behind it.
• Frost on the Pipe: If you can see frost on an exposed line, that section is likely frozen solid — and the freeze may extend further down the line.
• Bulging or Deforming: A pipe that looks swollen, warped, or oddly shaped is a big red flag because that means there’s pressure already building against the pipe’s walls.
• Strange Smells: If a kitchen or bathroom drain smells bad when you turn on the faucet, it could be because water can’t move through the line, and the drain trap isn’t functioning normally.
• Cracking, Popping, or Creaking Sounds: Those noises can happen when ice expands inside the pipe or when materials shift due to temperature stress.

Steps to Take Immediately if Your Pipes Freeze

If you wake up to frozen pipes, your first priority is preventing a burst. Take these precautionary steps right away:

• Turn on the Faucet: Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe, even if nothing comes out. This helps relieve pressure as the pipe thaws and gives melting water somewhere to go.
• Check Other Faucets in the Home: This helps you narrow down where the freeze may be. If only one fixture is affected, it may be a localized freeze. If multiple fixtures aren’t working, the freeze could be near the main line.
• Decide Whether to Shut Off the Water: If you see any signs of a crack, bulge, or leak, shut off the water at the main valve.
• Call Handyside: If you can’t locate the freeze or you’re worried about a pipe bursting, don’t gamble with it. Call our local plumbers in Harrisburg, PA, for assistance!

When to Call Handyside Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical for Emergency Help

Most frozen pipes should be handled by a plumber like those at Handyside Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical. So, don’t hesitate to give us a call right away if:

• You cannot locate the frozen pipe.
• The frozen line is behind a wall, ceiling, or under a floor.
• You suspect the pipe has already burst.
• You see bulging, frost, or visible deformation.
• You turn on a faucet, and nothing comes out anywhere in the home.

A trained plumber can safely thaw the line, check for damage, and repair cracks before they become catastrophic and you have to repipe your whole home. We can also help you identify why the pipe froze in the first place and recommend fixes to help prevent it from happening again.

Get Fast Help for Frozen Pipes in Harrisburg, PA

Frozen pipes are one of those winter problems that can go from “annoying” to “disaster” in the blink of an eye. If you’re wondering, “Should I turn off the water if pipes are frozen?” the safest answer is: turn it off if you suspect a crack or can’t locate the freeze.

Handyside Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical provides fast, reliable plumbing repairs in Harrisburg, PA, including help with frozen pipes, burst pipe repairs, and winter plumbing emergencies.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, see frost on a line, notice bulging, or have no water flow, contact us right away. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of avoiding major damage and getting your home back to normal quickly.