McKinney, TX Pipe Repair: Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

Frozen line, no water, and a sinking feeling? Here’s how to fix frozen pipes safely at home. In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix frozen pipes with a hair dryer or a space heater, when to shut off water, and when to call a pro. Follow the steps to thaw pipes without causing damage, and see prevention tips that work for Dallas–Fort Worth winters.

Safety First: Before You Thaw

Frozen pipes are stressful, but slow and steady wins. The biggest risk is a hidden split that bursts during thawing. Take these steps first.

1. Turn off the main water valve if you see leaks, bulging pipe, or wet drywall. If no leak is visible, keep water on but open faucets slightly.
2. Open the affected faucet to a pencil-thin stream. This relieves pressure and lets melting ice move out.
3. Unplug nearby appliances and clear the area. Water and electricity do not mix.
4. Confirm you can reach a safe outlet and extension cord with a built-in GFCI if working in a garage or crawlspace.

Hard fact: Pipes exposed to 20 degrees or below can freeze and burst or crack. In North Texas, brief Arctic blasts can drop wind chills below that mark overnight. Many DFW homes have slab foundations with lines in exterior walls or attics, which freeze faster.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix Frozen Pipes With a Hair Dryer

A standard hair dryer is a safe, direct way to thaw most frozen supply lines.

1. Identify the coldest span. Common spots are north-facing walls, under kitchen sinks, garages, and attic runs.
2. Start at the faucet end. Warm the pipe closest to the open tap first so steam and meltwater can escape.
3. Keep the dryer moving. Hold it 2 to 3 inches away and sweep side to side. Do not concentrate heat in one spot.
4. Work in sections, 12 to 18 inches at a time. Warm the pipe until water volume increases, then move down the line.
5. Protect combustibles. Keep the dryer clear of cabinets, paper towels, insulation, and curtains.
6. Watch for leaks as flow returns. If you see drips or a bulge, shut off the main and call a plumber.

Tips:

• Use low to medium heat. Slow thawing reduces the chance of a pressure spike.
• Place a towel under the pipe to catch condensation.
• If the pipe is metal and very cold, warm the surrounding air first for a minute, then apply direct heat.

Using a Space Heater to Thaw Pipes

A space heater can safely warm the room or cavity that contains the frozen run.

1. Choose a modern heater with tip-over protection. Read the manual and keep clearances per the label.
2. Position it 3 feet from the pipe, facing the cabinet or wall cavity. Open doors and remove false backs under sinks.
3. Run the heater on low or medium. Let the ambient temperature rise for 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Combine with the faucet trickle. As you hear sputtering, keep flow steady and check for leaks.

Do not enclose a space heater in a cabinet. Maintain airflow. Never use extension cords that are not rated for the heater’s load.

What Not to Do

Avoid methods that damage pipes or create fire hazards.

• Do not use an open flame or a torch on any pipe.
• Do not use a propane heater in tight spaces without ventilation.
• Do not pound or bend the pipe to break ice.
• Do not leave heat sources unattended.
• Do not run a heater on a frayed or undersized extension cord.

If you smell gas, stop immediately, leave the area, and call your utility and a licensed professional.

How to Find the Frozen Section

Finding the coldest span helps you focus heat.

• Follow the line from the faucet back toward the supply. Feel for segments that are noticeably colder.
• Look for frost, condensation, or a dull, icy sound when tapped.
• Check attics, exterior walls, crawlspaces, and garages first.
• Use a non-contact infrared thermometer to scan for cold spots.

If you cannot access the section, heat the room with a safe space heater and open wall cavities or vanity backs if possible.

Signs a Pipe Has Burst and What to Do

A split may not show until thawing begins. Watch for:

• Water behind baseboards or under cabinets
• New ceiling stains or damp drywall
• Sudden drop in water pressure after flow returns
• Hissing or spraying sounds inside walls

If any sign appears:

1. Shut off the main water valve at once.
2. Kill power to affected circuits if water is near outlets or fixtures.
3. Open all faucets to drain remaining pressure.
4. Take photos for insurance.
5. Call a licensed plumber for repair and drying advice.

Hard fact: Our team documents that water spots on ceilings or damp drywall can be the only noticeable signs of freeze damage in early stages. Catching these fast limits mold and structural issues.

Preventing Frozen Pipes in North Texas Homes

DFW homes are not always built for long freezes, so proactive steps matter.

• Insulate attic and garage lines. Foam sleeves and heat cable are cost-effective for exposed runs.
• Seal air leaks around hose bibs, vents, and sill plates. Cold air infiltration is a major cause of pipe freeze.
• Keep indoor heat at 55°F or higher when away.
• Open cabinet doors on exterior walls so warm air can circulate under sinks.
• Let a farthest faucet drip to a pencil-thin stream during hard freezes.
• Disconnect hoses and install insulated covers on outdoor spigots.
• Know your main shutoff location. Practice closing it once per season.

Local insight: In Dallas, kitchen sinks often sit on north-facing exterior walls. On the coldest nights, run a safe space heater in the kitchen for an hour and open that cabinet to keep the trap and supply lines above freezing.

When to Call a Pro and What We Do

DIY thawing is safe for accessible lines, but call a professional when:

• You cannot locate the frozen section or it is inside a wall.
• You see bulging, a split, or active dripping.
• Multiple fixtures lose pressure at once, hinting at a main or manifold freeze.
• You are uncomfortable using heat sources around plumbing or wiring.

What we bring to a frozen pipe call:

• Thermal imaging and camera inspections to pinpoint cold spots and damage.
• Safe thawing, leak detection, and immediate repairs, including repiping if needed.
• Trenchless options for damaged sewer lines to avoid major digging.
• Hydro-jetting and rooter service if a freeze led to debris blockage.

Business facts you can trust:

• Same-day service, or your service fee is free. If we do not arrive the day you call, we waive the service fee.
• Every Repair Expert is background checked and drug tested, and we train three days a week. You get prepared techs in fully stocked vehicles to finish many repairs on the first visit.

Cost, Timing, and Same-Day Help in DFW

Thawing a simple frozen trap under a sink can take 15 to 45 minutes with a hair dryer. In-wall freezes take longer because you must warm the cavity first. The most expensive part is damage from a burst, not the thawing itself.

Ways to control cost:

• Thaw early. Begin warming pipes as soon as flow slows. Early action prevents splits.
• Protect finishes. Towels and buckets prevent water damage during thaw.
• Use our Front of the Line membership. Members receive a yearly plumbing safety inspection, one free ground-level drain cleaning, and a minor toilet tank rebuild each year, plus 15% off repairs.

Service area: We serve Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Arlington, Plano, Irving, Garland, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, and nearby suburbs. We know local construction types and the tricky freeze points in slab-on-grade homes.

Quick Troubleshooting Scenarios

If the kitchen hot line is frozen but cold works:

• The hot line likely runs a longer path through an attic or exterior wall. Open the hot tap, run a safe space heater in the kitchen, and use a hair dryer on the hot supply under the sink.

If a whole bathroom is out:

• The manifold feeding that bathroom may be frozen. Warm the wall behind the manifold or the crawlspace below. If you cannot access it, call us for thermal imaging.

If an outdoor spigot is frozen:

• Remove the cover, open the spigot slightly, and use a hair dryer. If it leaks after thaw, the internal cartridge may have cracked. Shut off its stop valve and call for service.

Why Hair Dryers and Space Heaters Work

Both methods add gentle, controlled heat. A hair dryer applies direct warmth to the pipe surface. A space heater warms the surrounding air, which then transfers heat to the pipe. Slow thawing lets expanding ice release water without spiking internal pressure. That reduces the chance of a split when flow returns.

After Thaw: Checkup and Protection

When water returns, spend five more minutes to prevent a repeat.

• Run each faucet for 2 to 3 minutes. Listen for hammering or sputtering that could reveal a partial blockage.
• Inspect ceilings under bathrooms and kitchens.
• Insulate any previously unprotected run you can reach.
• Schedule a post-freeze plumbing check if a line froze inside a wall. We can verify there are no slow leaks.

Special Offers for Frozen Pipe Repairs

• Save $77 on plumbing repair. Mention "$77 OFF Plumbing Repair" when you call (469) 336-3435. Call for details.
• Members save 15% on repair services and receive a yearly plumbing safety inspection plus one free ground-level drain cleaning. Join today for priority scheduling.
• Same-day service guarantee: if we do not arrive the day you call, your service fee is free.

Schedule now at theontimeexperts.com or call (469) 336-3435 before today’s freeze gets worse.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Had a broken shower pipe and they came out that night, no extra emergency charge... he was really friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. He had to cut into a wall but got the job done and gave me a fair price." –Andrew S., Pipe Repair

"Chris Miller was so courteous and kind. He found the leak and saved all my bricks. Then he replaced all the pipes under my sink. He did such a great job!" –Chris M., Leak Repair

"Within 10 minutes of scheduling, Lily called me to let me know she was rerouting a plumber to come to me immediately and she helped walk me through how to turn my water off... minimal water damage to my home." –Lily H., Emergency Leak Call

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to thaw a frozen pipe with a hair dryer?

Most accessible lines thaw in 15 to 45 minutes. Work from the faucet back, keep heat moving, and watch for leaks as flow returns.

Should I shut off water before thawing?

Shut it off if you see leaks, bulging, or wet drywall. If there is no sign of damage, leave water on and open the faucet to a small stream.

Is it safe to use a space heater under a sink?

Yes, if you keep proper clearances, use a modern unit with tip-over protection, and never enclose it. Open cabinet doors for airflow.

Why do North Texas pipes freeze so fast?

Many DFW homes run plumbing through attics and exterior walls. Short cold snaps near 20°F can freeze those lines quickly.

Can I prevent this without remodeling?

Insulate exposed lines, seal drafts, drip a far faucet, and keep heat above 55°F. Install insulated covers on outdoor spigots.

The Bottom Line

You can learn how to fix frozen pipes with a hair dryer or a space heater and safely restore flow in many cases. At the first sign of a leak or a hidden split, shut off water and call a pro. For fast help in Dallas–Fort Worth, contact On Time Experts.

Ready for Same-Day Help?

Call (469) 336-3435 or schedule at theontimeexperts.com. Mention "$77 OFF Plumbing Repair" for savings today. We serve Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Arlington, Plano, Irving, Garland, Frisco, Grand Prairie, and Mesquite. Same-day service, or your service fee is free.

About On Time Experts

On Time Experts is Dallas–Fort Worth’s trusted plumbing team. Same-day service, or your service fee is free. Every technician is background checked and drug tested, and our crews train three days each week to stay sharp. We use camera inspections, hydro-jetting, and trenchless options when needed. We back our work with written guarantees, including our Peace of Mind and It Will Work guarantees. Licenses: HVAC #TACLB26616E and Plumbing #M-41383. Call (469) 336-3435 or visit theontimeexperts.com.