Monroe, WA Pipe Repair: Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

Frozen pipe and no water pressure today? Here is how to fix frozen pipes safely with a hair dryer or a space heater without causing damage. In the Puget Sound area, Fraser outflow cold snaps can freeze pipes in crawlspaces and exterior walls. Follow the steps below to thaw the line, prevent a burst, and know when it is time to call Apollo Plumbing. If you already see a crack or leak, skip to the emergency section.

Why Pipes Freeze Here in Puget Sound

Cold east winds over the passes can drop temperatures fast in Snohomish and King counties. Pipes in uninsulated crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls are most at risk. When water freezes it expands about 9 percent, which can split copper, PEX, or PVC fittings. Most bursts happen during the thaw as pressure returns.

Common freeze signs:

1. No or low water flow at one or more fixtures.
2. Frost on an exposed pipe or an icy smell in a cabinet.
3. Gurgling when a faucet is opened.
4. Wet drywall or puddles after temperatures rise.

If you suspect a freeze, act now to thaw the pipe slowly and safely. Quick heat or open flame can split a pipe and create a larger repair.

"Riley was very sympathetic and understanding of my pipe burst emergency the day before Christmas. He reassured me that this was a common repair and not to worry. He was right. Water is back on along with Christmas brunch. Thank you Riley."

Safety and Setup Before You Thaw

Prevent shocks, fires, and water damage before you apply heat.

1. Find and test the main water shutoff. Make sure the valve turns. If a pipe ruptures during thawing, you will need to close it fast.
2. Open the nearest cold water faucet to relieve pressure. A slow trickle helps melt the ice plug.
3. Gather tools:
4. • Hair dryer with a focused nozzle. Avoid high heat that scorches surfaces.
   • Portable electric space heater with tip over protection. Place it on a flat, non flammable surface.
   • Towels, a small bucket, and a flashlight or headlamp.
   • Extension cord rated for the load. Use a GFCI outlet in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages.
4. Clear the area. The National Fire Protection Association recommends at least 3 feet of clearance around space heaters from anything that can burn.
5. Never use a blowtorch, propane heater, charcoal, or open flame. These are leading causes of fire and carbon monoxide incidents.

"Had a pipe break off and Jason was able to chip away and save the existing pipe for repair, instead of cutting open the wall. He did a great job."

Step by Step: Thaw a Pipe With a Hair Dryer

A hair dryer gives you controlled, gentle heat that reduces the risk of a sudden burst.

1. Identify the frozen section. Start where the pipe is most exposed or where it passes through an exterior wall or crawlspace rim joist.
2. Protect finishes. Place towels under the pipe to catch sweat and drips.
3. Set the dryer to medium. High heat can soften PEX or scorch wood. Keep the nozzle moving to avoid hotspots.
4. Work from the faucet toward the freeze. This allows melting water and steam to escape rather than pressurize the ice plug.
5. Keep the faucet slightly open. Watch for a slow, steady increase in flow.
6. Thaw in 10 to 15 minute passes. If the pipe is not responding, switch to space heater staging below for broader, ambient warmth.
7. Once flow returns, let water run for 5 to 10 minutes to flush slush. Check for hidden leaks along the pipe run while the water is on.

If cabinets are involved, open doors to allow warm room air to reach the pipes. For crawlspaces, consider a spotter to watch for leaks while you heat the line from above.

"Carlos showed up to fix a pin hole leak in a very tight area with little room to work. He was able cut out the section of damaged pipe and replace it. Very professional and came in to a difficult repair and was able to get the repair done."

Step by Step: Thaw a Pipe With a Space Heater

Use a space heater when the frozen area is behind a vanity, inside a small room, or in a crawlspace where broad warmth helps.

1. Place the heater on a stable, dry surface. Keep a 3 foot safety zone clear of combustibles.
2. Aim heat at the wall cavity or the general pipe area, not directly against finishes.
3. Close room doors to hold heat. For cabinets, open doors so warm air reaches the pipes.
4. Cycle in 15 minute intervals. Check the open faucet for returning flow.
5. Inspect the pipe run as it thaws. Listen for hissing or seeps that signal a split.
6. Do not leave heaters unattended. Unplug when you move to another area.

In crawlspaces, elevate the heater as needed to avoid standing water. Use a GFCI protected circuit. Never run extension cords through puddles or snow.

"Josh did a great job repairing our pipe leak on a Sunday. Super happy with his work and knowledge."

What Not To Do When Thawing Frozen Pipes

Avoid these mistakes that lead to property damage and major repairs.

1. Do not use open flame or propane torches. Heat can separate soldered joints and ignite framing.
2. Do not pound on the pipe. Impact can crack brittle materials.
3. Do not close all faucets. Trapped pressure increases burst risk.
4. Do not walk away from a running space heater. Supervise until flow is restored and the area is dry.
5. Do not ignore slow drains. Sewer lines can freeze too. Thawing methods differ and may require hydro jetting.

"While all plumbing costs tend to be more than you think they will be, with Apollo you know you will get qualified people that know how to do the work right. They fixed the clog and repaired my attempt at repair."

If the Pipe Has Already Burst

If you hear spraying, see water stains, or find a split, treat it as an emergency.

1. Shut off the main water valve immediately.
2. Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets or appliances.
3. Open low faucets to drain remaining water from lines.
4. Take photos for your insurance claim.
5. Wrap the break with towels to slow dripping.
6. Call Apollo Plumbing. We perform same day pipe repairs, electronic leak detection, and water line replacement.

After emergency control, we can perform a video inspection, hydro jet cleaning if needed, and permanent repair. Many water line and sewer repairs are completed in one day with trenchless methods that reduce digging and save landscaping.

"Carlos was very professional and quick. I am very happy with the work on an emergency pipe burst. Recommend Apollo Plumbing."

How Apollo Plumbing Diagnoses and Repairs Freeze Damage

Our process is diagnostic first, repair second. This reduces surprises and callbacks.

1. Video inspection to confirm the extent of damage in supply or drain lines.
2. Leak detection using equipment such as pneumatic test balls, low pressure air tests, hydrostatic testing, and digital cameras to pinpoint hidden breaks.
3. Targeted repair of copper, PEX, or PVC with proper fittings and support to prevent future stress points.
4. For larger failures, we offer trenchless pipe lining and replacements:
5. • Hydro jetting cleans the interior so liners adhere.
   • Spray on lining can restore short sections under 20 feet.
   • Cured in Place Pipe liners rebuild longer runs into a seamless, rust proof pipe.

These no dig options are quicker, cleaner, and often more affordable than trenching. In many cases we finish the same day.

Prevent Frozen Pipes Next Time

Small upgrades make a big difference during the next cold blast in Everett, Bothell, Lynnwood, and Marysville.

1. Insulate exposed hot and cold lines in crawlspaces and garages. Seal rim joists and sill gaps.
2. Install foam covers on hose bibs and use frost proof sillcocks where possible.
3. On the coldest nights, let a trickle run at the farthest faucet to keep water moving.
4. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to share room heat.
5. Add pipe heat cable with a thermostat to vulnerable lines.
6. Disconnect garden hoses. A frozen hose can burst an interior wall line.
7. Know the location of your main shutoff and test it every season.

If your home has older galvanized or thin walled copper, ask about repiping options. New materials and better routing reduce future freeze risk and improve flow.

When To Call a Professional

Call a pro when any of these apply:

1. You cannot locate the frozen section and multiple fixtures are affected.
2. The pipe is inside a finished wall or ceiling and you see staining.
3. You smell gas, or a space heater trips breakers or GFCI outlets.
4. You thawed the pipe, but pressure remains low or there is a persistent drip.
5. You need trenchless repair or relining to avoid tearing up concrete, tile, or landscaping.

With Apollo Plumbing, you get a clean, screened, trained team with upfront no surprise pricing and a written guarantee. Our well stocked trucks resolve most problems in one visit.

Special Offers for Freeze Damage Repairs

• Save $200 on any water line replacement. Use before 2026-01-31. Call (425) 387-1507 and mention this offer.
• Trenchless water line replacement with up to 50 percent savings versus traditional excavation. Often completed in one day. Call (425) 387-1507 to schedule.

Offers cannot be combined with other discounts and do not apply to the service call fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boiling water to thaw a frozen pipe?

Avoid it. Sudden temperature shock can crack pipes and joints. Use gentle, even heat from a hair dryer or a space heater with the faucet open.

How long should it take to thaw a frozen pipe?

Most small freezes thaw within 30 to 90 minutes with steady heat. Heavier freezes in crawlspaces can take longer. If nothing changes, call a professional.

Is it safe to run a space heater in a bathroom or crawlspace?

Use a GFCI outlet, keep a 3 foot clearance, and never leave it unattended. Place the heater on a stable, dry surface and watch cords around water.

Will insurance cover a burst pipe?

Many homeowner policies cover sudden accidental water damage from a burst. They may not cover damage from neglect. Document the event and call your carrier.

Do I need a plumber after I get water flowing again?

If flow returns cleanly and you see no leaks, you may be fine. If you hear hissing, see drips, or the pipe froze more than once, schedule an inspection.

Key Takeaway

Thaw slowly, stay safe, and watch for leaks. Use a hair dryer or a space heater to restore flow without harming pipes. If you are in Everett, Bothell, Lynnwood, or nearby and need help with how to fix frozen pipes fast, Apollo Plumbing is ready.

Call, Schedule, or Chat

• Call now: (425) 387-1507
• Schedule online: https://www.apolloplumbing.net/
• Active offer: Save $200 on any water line replacement through 2026-01-31.

Restore water the safe way today. If a line is damaged, ask about our one day, no dig trenchless repairs and upfront no surprise pricing.

Call Apollo Plumbing at (425) 387-1507 or book at https://www.apolloplumbing.net/ for same day frozen pipe help. Mention our $200 off water line replacement offer or ask about up to 50 percent savings on trenchless replacements.

Apollo Plumbing is a local, Washington State certified team serving Everett, Bothell, Lynnwood, and surrounding communities. Homeowners choose us for clean, screened, and trained technicians, upfront no surprise pricing, and work backed by a written guarantee. We use advanced tools like high definition video inspections, electronic leak detection, and hydro jetting. We are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and hold an A rating on Angi. Our well stocked trucks solve most problems on the first visit. When pipes freeze or fail, we offer trenchless options that are quicker, cleaner, and often finished in one day.