How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

A frozen pipe doesn't have to mean major trouble. You can keep your water flowing all winter long.

You Will Need

* A hair dryer or portable heater

Step 1: Open all faucets

Open all of your faucets to see if any water flows. If it does, run warm water through the pipes. This can help thaw a frozen spot in the pipes.

Step 2: Locate the frozen spot

If no water flows, locate the most likely spots where pipes might freeze.

Check unheated basements, crawl spaces, and points where pipes run outside.

Step 3: Heat the frozen spot

Open the faucets in the house. Use a hair dryer or a portable heater to warm the frozen spot. After a few minutes, water should flow freely.

Fact: Umiat, Alaska, is the coldest spot in the United States, with an average temperature of 10.8 degrees Fahrenheit.