Frozen Water Pipes

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If you turn on a faucet after a very cold night and only a trickle comes out, it could mean that ice has formed inside a water pipe, blocking the flow of water. Here’s what you can do to restore water service.

What to Do When Temperatures Drop

Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces, attic, and garage. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Wrap the pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. Be sure to follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
Close valves that supply outdoor hose bibs and then open the bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without breaking the pipe. Remove, drain, and store garden hoses.
Drain water from supply lines to swimming pools and irrigation systems following manufacturer's or installer's directions.
Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
Let warm water drip from a faucet on an outside wall overnight.
If you are traveling during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

First, check to see if a pipe has broken. If you see standing or flowing water, immediately turn off the water at the main house valve and call a licensed plumber. If you are unable to turn the water off yourself, call your water service provider - either Livermore Municipal Water at (925) 960-8100 or Cal Water at (925) 447-4900.
If you do not have a broken pipe, open all the faucets inside your home one-quarter turn. Water will begin to trickle out, helping the ice to thaw. Remember to close all faucets after full water pressure is restored.
Next, locate the frozen section(s) of pipe. Check where pipes run along exterior walls or enter your home through the foundation. If you are unable to locate the frozen section or if it is inaccessible, call a licensed plumber.
Then, thaw the pipe section slowly with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, or a portable space heater. Never thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. As the ice thaws, water will begin trickling out of the faucets. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
If you are unable to thaw your pipes, leave the faucets on and call a licensed plumber.

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Frozen Water Pipes