Why you need to call a plumber
Our winters are mild most of the time, which is exactly the problem. Many homes here were not built with deep-freeze in mind. Pipes run through crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls and unheated corners, and when a cold snap arrives they can freeze before anyone thinks to prepare.
Ice is only half the story. Frozen water expands, and the pipe can split. A split pipe often shows nothing until the ice melts, and then water pours out. Thawing a pipe that is already cracked is how people end up with a flooded wall.
A pro checks for damage as part of the thaw. We find where the freeze is, decide whether it is safe to thaw, and repair or replace any split section so the pipe is sound when the water is turned back on.
The Pyper way
How Pyper fixes it
Locate the freeze and check for splits
We find which section is frozen by checking which fixtures have no water and tracing the pipe run. We look for bulges, cracks and frost, and shut off the main water first so any split pipe cannot flood when ice melts.
Thaw it the safe way
We use gentle, controlled heat, working toward the frozen section with a faucet open so pressure can escape. We never use an open flame, which is both a fire hazard and a pipe-damage risk. Depending on the situation, the right tool might be warm air, heat tape or other pro equipment.
Repair the damage
If a pipe has split, we cut out the damaged section and replace it with proper pipe and fittings, rather than wrapping the crack. We check nearby joints and fittings, which may have been stressed by the same freeze, and look at the water heater lines and outdoor hose bibbs.
Test and help you prevent a repeat
We slowly restore water, test for leaks, and recheck as pressure builds. Then we explain why that run froze and what helps, such as insulation, sealing air gaps, disconnecting hoses and, in a cold snap, letting a faucet drip on exposed lines.
What you can do, and what to leave alone
If a pipe is frozen but not split, you can open the faucet and apply gentle heat to the pipe with a hair dryer, starting near the faucet and working back toward the frozen part. Never use a torch or open flame. If you see a crack, a bulge or water, shut off the main and call. Also call if the frozen section is behind a wall, under the house, or you cannot find it. Guessing can leave you thawing a split pipe in a spot you cannot reach.
Fixed right the first time
A freeze tends to repeat in the same weak spot: the run that is exposed, uninsulated or next to an air leak. Thawing alone gets the water back but leaves the cause in place. By inspecting for hidden damage, replacing split pipe properly, and pointing out the exposed spots that need protection, we fix what failed and make the next cold snap less likely to hurt.
Questions we hear
Can I thaw it myself?
If there is no crack and you can reach the pipe, gentle heat from a hair dryer with the faucet open is a safe approach. Never use an open flame, and call us if you see damage.
How do I know if a pipe split?
Look for bulges, cracks, or water when ice melts. Sometimes it only shows after thawing, so keep the main off until the pipe is checked.
Should I leave faucets dripping?
During a hard freeze, a slow drip on exposed lines can help keep water moving. It is not a guarantee, but it is a common precaution.
What if the frozen pipe is in the wall?
Do not cut into the wall yourself. Open the faucet, keep the room warm, and call a pro to locate and handle it.
Guides
Helpful guides
Frozen pipe repair
Frozen Pipes in Western Washington: Prevent and Thaw
How to prevent frozen pipes in Western Washington, thaw them safely without flame, and what to do if a pipe bursts during a cold snap.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guideFrozen pipe repair
Winterize Vacation Home Plumbing in Western Washington
How to winterize a vacation home or cabin's plumbing: heat settings, draining vs. keeping heat on, water heater, outdoor spigots, antifreeze and checks.
Arko Smygov · 6 min read
Read the guideLocal story
January 2024 Cold Snap: Why Pipes Burst in Our Region
The January 2024 Arctic outbreak split pipes at Snohomish County schools. Here is why exterior-wall and crawlspace pipes freeze and how to protect yours.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideRelated services
24/7 emergency plumbing
Burst pipes, sewer backups, floods and more. Call any hour.
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Hidden leaks waste water and rot your home. We find the exact spot, fix it, and test it.
Learn moreRepiping
Old, leaky or corroded pipes replaced with durable new lines, planned to cause minimal mess.
Learn moreWhere we do this work
Pyper handles frozen pipe repair across four counties. Choose your city.
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