Frozen Pipe Guide
Maryland Homeowners
A frozen pipe can burst in minutes and release hundreds of gallons of water into your home. Here is everything you need to know — how to prevent it, what to do when it happens, and when to call a plumber.
By Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland — Updated 2025
Pipe already burst?
Shut off your main water supply immediately, then call (443) 440-0632. We respond 24/7 throughout Calvert and Anne Arundel County.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F — even when away or on vacation
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps
- Let faucets drip slightly when temperatures drop below 20°F
- Insulate pipes in unheated spaces — crawlspaces, garages, pump houses
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the first freeze
- Know where your main water shutoff is located before you need it
- Keep your well pump house heated to at least 40°F
- Seal gaps and cracks in exterior walls where pipes run
How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe — Step by Step
Turn off the main water supply
Before thawing, shut off the main water valve. When the pipe thaws, any cracks will release water immediately. You want to be in control of that.
Open the faucet
Open the faucet the frozen pipe supplies. This releases pressure as the ice melts and lets you know when the pipe has thawed.
Apply heat — safely
Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or electric heating pad on the frozen section. Start from the faucet end and work toward the coldest section. Never use an open flame — it is a fire hazard and can damage pipes.
Check for cracks
Once thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check the entire length of the pipe for cracks or splits. Even a small crack can release hundreds of gallons per hour.
Call a plumber if you cannot locate the frozen section
If you cannot find the frozen section, or if the pipe is in a wall or ceiling, call Deep Dive Plumbing Maryland. We have the tools to locate and thaw pipes safely without damaging your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes can begin to freeze when outdoor temperatures drop below 20°F, but the risk increases significantly below 15°F. Pipes in unheated spaces (crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls) are at risk even when indoor temperatures are comfortable.
How do I know if a pipe is frozen?
The most obvious sign is no water flow from a faucet when others work normally. You may also notice frost on an exposed pipe, or a bulge in the pipe where ice has expanded. If you hear a cracking or popping sound from a pipe during a cold snap, that is a warning sign.
Can a frozen pipe burst without thawing?
Yes — the pressure buildup from expanding ice can split a pipe even before it fully thaws. This is why you should turn off the main water supply before attempting to thaw a frozen pipe.
How much does frozen pipe repair cost in Maryland?
A simple thaw and repair of a cracked pipe varies depending on the extent of damage. If the pipe is in a wall or ceiling and requires opening the wall, costs increase. Water damage remediation (if the pipe burst before you caught it) is a separate cost.
Are well pump pipes at risk of freezing?
Yes — the above-ground components of a well system (pressure tank, pressure switch, pipes in the pump house) are at risk if the pump house is not heated. The underground portion of the well pipe is below the frost line and is not at risk. Keep your pump house heated to at least 40°F.
Does homeowners insurance cover frozen pipe damage?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst frozen pipe, but they typically require that you took reasonable steps to prevent freezing (maintaining heat, etc.). Gradual damage or damage from neglect is usually not covered. Check your specific policy.
Frozen or Burst Pipe? Call Now.
24/7 emergency response throughout Calvert and Anne Arundel County. We stop the damage fast.
Call (443) 440-0632Drain Cleaning Services
Frequently Asked Questions