Unionville, IN Pipe Repair: Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

Worried about how to fix frozen pipes before they burst? You can often thaw a frozen line safely with a hair dryer or a small space heater if you act fast and follow the steps below. This guide shows you what to do, what not to do, and how to prevent another freeze. If a pipe has split or you see water spraying, shut off water and call a pro right away.

First, stay safe and stop damage

Frozen pipes can rupture as ice expands. Before you start, take these steps.

1. Turn off water to the affected line if you suspect a split. If unsure, close the main shutoff.
2. Open nearby faucets to relieve pressure. Start with the cold side.
3. Clear the area of paper, solvents, and curtains. You will use a heat source.
4. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Work slowly and never leave heat unattended.

Two hard facts to remember:

• Summers uses electric pipe-thawing equipment for metal piping that can treat over 100 feet of pipe in one go. That is the professional way when DIY is not enough.
• For PVC, pros use heat lamps and heat blankets to avoid opening walls when possible, which reduces repair damage and cleanup.

How to find the frozen section

Finding the cold spot speeds up the thaw.

1. Turn on a faucet. If water trickles or stops, the freeze is between that fixture and the main.
2. Feel exposed pipe runs in basements, crawlspaces, and exterior walls. Look for frost, bulges, or very cold sections.
3. Check common risk zones: uninsulated rim joists, garage lines, hose bib feeds, and areas near vents.
4. If you cannot access the run, listen for a faint humming when the heater runs without flow. That often signals a freeze in a wall cavity.
5. If you have PEX, frozen spots may not split as easily as rigid copper, but pressure can still cause fittings to leak. Treat it with care.

If you suspect a freeze inside a finished wall and cannot reach it, stop and call a pro. Summers can often thaw lines with minimal opening. We diagnose with line detection and cameras before repair when needed.

Thawing with a hair dryer

A hair dryer is safe for many accessible sections.

1. Safety check: Plug the dryer into a GFCI outlet. Keep the cord and your hands dry.
2. Start near the faucet and work back toward the frozen section. This lets melting water escape and reduces pressure.
3. Keep the nozzle moving 2 to 3 inches from the pipe. Do not focus on one spot.
4. Warm fittings and valves too. Cold fittings can refreeze.
5. Continue until full flow returns. Let water run for a minute to clear slush.

Pro tip: Shield the area with a simple heat tent. Hold a cookie sheet or folded foil behind the pipe to reflect warmth. Do not enclose the pipe fully. You want ventilation and no trapped heat.

Thawing with a space heater

A compact electric space heater can warm small rooms or crawlspaces.

1. Place the heater 3 feet from combustible materials. Aim heat toward the suspect run.
2. Close doors and block drafts to keep warm air near the pipe.
3. Open the faucet. Monitor every 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Rotate the heater position if needed. Warm the surrounding air, then finish with a hair dryer on stubborn spots.

Only use electric heaters for pipe thawing. Avoid fuel heaters in small or unvented spaces due to carbon monoxide risk.

What not to do

Avoid these common mistakes that cause fires or pipe damage.

• Do not use open flames. No torches, lighters, or grills.
• Do not overheat PVC or PEX. If it smells, softens, or changes color, stop.
• Do not run a dryer inside a wall cavity. Heat needs clear access.
• Do not leave heat unattended. Stay within reach.
• Do not turn the main back on if you suspect a crack. Check first.

How to turn water back on and check for leaks

Once flow returns, test the system in order.

1. With the faucet still open, slowly open the main or the isolated valve.
2. Watch the previously frozen section for beads of water. Use a dry paper towel on joints to spot dampness.
3. Run both cold and hot sides for 3 to 5 minutes. Hot lines lag behind.
4. Flush nearby toilets and run a quick dishwasher cycle to move water through branches.
5. Check ceilings below and adjacent walls for wet spots within the next 24 hours.

If you see any dampness, shut off water and schedule repair. Summers includes 1-year labor and product warranties on plumbing repairs, which protects your fix.

If a pipe has burst

A split calls for fast control, then professional repair.

1. Shut off the main.
2. Open low faucets or a basement laundry tub to drain down lines.
3. Place a bucket and cut away damaged drywall if water is trapped, only if safe.
4. Take photos for insurance.
5. Call a licensed plumber for pipe replacement and drying guidance.

Our team carries fully stocked trucks for fast service. We cut out the damaged section and install new pipe to restore flow. If multiple sections are brittle or corroded, repiping part of the home may prevent future breaks. We offer free quotes for whole-home repiping and a best-price guarantee on that service.

How pros handle stubborn or hidden freezes

DIY is not always enough, especially in long or hidden runs.

• Electric thawing machines for metal piping can clear over 100 feet at once. This helps when a long basement run is frozen end to end.
• Heat lamps and blankets for PVC protect sensitive plastic from warping.
• Thermal imaging and line detection help pinpoint the freeze behind walls.
• Camera inspections verify clear flow in drains and sewers after a thaw, which is useful if a freeze affected a yard line or if refreeze risk exists.

Whenever possible, Summers will avoid opening walls. If we must access a line, we make a small, repairable opening and clean up before we leave.

Prevent a refreeze tonight

After thawing, reduce risk until the cold snap passes.

1. Keep the thermostat at a steady temperature day and night. Do not set back.
2. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
3. Let vulnerable faucets drip a pencil-thin stream.
4. Seal drafts at rim joists with temporary foam if safe to do.
5. Move space heaters to cold rooms while supervised.
6. Disconnect garden hoses and use insulated covers on hose bibs.

Long-term prevention for Bloomington area homes

Central Indiana homes face sharp temperature swings. Prepare now so you are not thawing again next week.

• Insulate pipes along exterior walls, crawlspaces, and garages with foam sleeves. Upgrade to fiberglass wrap near large gaps.
• Add heat tape with a thermostat on problem runs. Follow manufacturer instructions and GFCI protection.
• Air seal rim joists and sill plates. This reduces cold drafts that flash-freeze pipes.
• Relocate vulnerable lines out of exterior walls during a remodel. Pros can reroute without major disruption.
• Schedule a whole-house plumbing inspection before winter. Summers offers seasonal specials that include proactive checks.

When DIY stops and a pro should start

Call a professional plumber if any of these apply.

• You cannot locate the freeze and the wall is getting colder or damp.
• The pipe is inside a finished wall or ceiling and access is limited.
• You have repeated freezes in the same location.
• You suspect a crack. Water stains or unexplained meter movement are red flags.
• You need to thaw a long metal run where an electric thawing machine is safer and faster.

Summers provides 24-hour plumbing service. Our technicians are drug tested, background checked, licensed, and ready with the right tools. Pricing is upfront, and we stand behind our work with a written warranty.

Local support you can count on

We serve homeowners in Bloomington, Bedford, Martinsville, Ellettsville, Linton, Springville, Mitchell, Bloomfield, Spencer, and Orleans. Same day service is available. We also provide free second opinions and flexible financing on qualified projects.

Quick checklist: thawing with a hair dryer or space heater

1. Open faucets and shut off water if you suspect a split.
2. Locate the cold spot in exposed areas first.
3. Use a hair dryer from faucet back to freeze. Keep it moving.
4. Use a small electric space heater to warm rooms or crawlspaces.
5. Never use open flames. Stay with the equipment.
6. Restore water slowly and check for leaks.
7. Prevent refreeze with steady heat and cabinet doors open.

Following these steps often restores flow without damage. If you run into trouble, help is one call away.

Special Offer: Free Whole-Home Repiping Quote

If a freeze exposed larger pipe issues or repeated bursts, protect your home with a long-term fix. Get a free whole-home repiping quote and a best-price guarantee. Call (812) 269-5994 or book online at https://www.summersphc.com/bloomington/ before 2026-02-04.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"John Norris came out and fixed our frozen pipe. He was professional and nice. He had to tear out a lot of drywall but fixed the pipe and cleaned uo everything."
–Chris K., Frozen Pipe Repair

"We had an unfortunate pipe burst situation, which lead to a totally flooded basement. We contacted Summers on a Sunday evening... He explained how the pipe had froze, fixed it... and explained how we could prevent this from happening in the future."
–Heather F., Burst Pipe

"Summers came after hours and on a holiday and had to replace a broken pipe from the main... they had it fixed within a couple of hours. Great service!"
–Vanessa S., Main Line Repair

"Curtis came out fast as possible on a Friday night and fixed the main water line and got us signed up for maintenance on our home system."
–Tyler W., Main Water Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a hair dryer really thaw a frozen pipe?

Yes, for accessible sections of copper, PEX, or PVC. Keep the nozzle moving, start near the faucet, and work back. Use a GFCI outlet and stop if the pipe softens, smells, or you suspect a crack.

How long does it take to thaw a pipe with a space heater?

Most small freezes clear in 15 to 45 minutes if warm air reaches the section. Open the faucet, close doors to hold heat, and monitor every 5 to 10 minutes. Stubborn runs may need a pro.

Can I use a propane torch to thaw pipes?

No. Open flames can ignite framing and soften plastic. Use a hair dryer, heat tape with a thermostat, or call a plumber with safe thawing equipment.

What if the pipe bursts while I am thawing it?

Shut off the main immediately. Open low faucets to drain lines, protect belongings, and call a licensed plumber. Take photos for insurance. Do not restore water until repairs are done.

How do I stop pipes from freezing again?

Insulate exposed runs, seal drafts, keep cabinets open on exterior walls, drip vulnerable faucets, and maintain steady heat. Add heat tape on chronic trouble spots and consider rerouting lines during remodels.

Conclusion

Now you know how to fix frozen pipes using a hair dryer or space heater, when to stop, and how to prevent refreezing. If you suspect a crack or the freeze is hidden, call a local pro for fast, safe help in Bloomington and nearby areas.

Ready for Help?

Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (812) 269-5994 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/bloomington/ for same day frozen pipe service. Ask about our free whole-home repiping quote and best-price guarantee if repeated freezes have damaged your lines.

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has served Indiana homes since 1969. Our licensed, background-checked plumbers offer 24/7 service, upfront pricing, and a best-price guarantee on select services. We use camera inspections, trenchless methods, and pro thawing equipment to reduce damage. All plumbing work includes 1-year labor and product warranties. Local, fast, and trusted for Bloomington and nearby cities.