We locate the freeze point, relieve pressure by opening the affected fixture, then thaw gradually with targeted heat and pipe-safe equipment — never an open flame. Once flow returns, we inspect for cracks the ice may have caused and address why it froze.

Our Process

  1. Locate the freeze point. Usually in an uninsulated run through an exterior wall, attic, crawlspace, or garage. Which fixtures have no water narrows it quickly.
  2. Open the affected fixture. This relieves the trapped pressure that actually bursts pipes — the break comes from water compressed between the ice and a closed tap, not from the ice itself — and it gives meltwater somewhere to go.
  3. Position the main shutoff for immediate access, in case the pipe has already cracked and releases when it thaws.
  4. Apply controlled heat from the fixture end toward the blockage. Direction matters — heating the middle first traps meltwater between two ice plugs.
  5. Thaw gradually. Rapid heating causes thermal shock and can crack pipe that survived the freeze.
  6. Verify full flow and run water to clear the line.
  7. Inspect under pressure for cracks, weeping joints, and stressed fittings — damage frequently reveals itself only once water is moving again.

What We Never Do

No open flames, torches, or unvented propane heaters. Those cause house fires during cold snaps and can flash trapped water to steam, rupturing the line violently. This is the most important thing to know if you are considering thawing a pipe yourself.

Then We Address Why It Froze

Thawing the pipe solves today’s problem. The pipe will freeze again next cold snap unless something changes. Depending on the situation we recommend pipe insulation, air sealing where cold air reaches the run, rerouting the line out of unconditioned space, or heat tape. Rerouting is often the right answer for a pipe that has frozen more than once.

Why This Comes Up Here

Albuquerque and Santa Fe winters are mild on average and sharp at the extremes, and local homes are frequently built with less freeze protection than colder climates demand.

Contact B. Carlson for frozen pipe repair — 24/7 emergency service.