Why You Should Never DIY a Frozen Pipe Thaw

When the temps drop hard in Grove City or anywhere in central Ohio, frozen pipes become a real threat. And if you've ever tried to Google “pipe thawing services near me” during a deep freeze, you already know how urgent things can get.

We’ve seen it too many times at Total Home Water Restoration: someone tries to thaw a pipe themselves, and it ends with a burst pipe, water everywhere, and thousands in damage. Let’s talk about why it’s just not worth the risk—and what to do instead.

What Happens When Pipes Freeze?

Water expands as it freezes. That means when water sits still in a cold, uninsulated pipe, it starts building pressure. If that pressure gets too high, it can crack or rupture the pipe.

Here's what you're up against:

• Cracks can form behind walls, under floors, or in ceilings—places you can’t see.

• Once that pipe thaws, all that backed-up water comes pouring out.

• A single crack can release hundreds of gallons of water per day.

Why DIY Thawing Is a Bad Idea

1. You Might Make It Worse

Using open flames, space heaters, or hair dryers too close to pipes can heat things unevenly or too quickly. That sudden expansion? It can finish the job and burst the pipe.

2. It’s a Fire Hazard

We’ve seen garages and basements go up in flames from folks trying to use torches to thaw out a line. Not worth it.

3. You Could Get Shocked

Frozen pipes often affect both water and drain lines near appliances and outlets. Trying to thaw near electrical sources with water in the mix? That’s a recipe for electrocution.

What You Should Do Instead

If you suspect a frozen pipe:

• Shut off your main water valve immediately.

• Open nearby faucets to relieve pressure.

• Leave cabinet doors open to allow warmer air near the pipes.

• Call in a pro with the right equipment to thaw the line safely.

At Total Home Water Restoration, we use commercial-grade thawing tools and thermal imaging to locate frozen sections fast. We don’t guess. We find the problem and fix it before it becomes a flood.

We’ve Handled Dozens of These—Here’s One Example

One winter in Hilliard, we got a call from a homeowner who tried using a blowtorch under the kitchen sink. He ended up burning the cabinet and bursting a copper pipe in the wall. We had to replace the entire base cabinet, repair drywall, and install new plumbing. A $100 thawing job turned into a $4,000 repair.

Need Pipe Thawing Services Near Grove City?

We’re local, fast, and know this stuff inside and out. Whether you're in Grove City, Hilliard, Dublin, or Worthington—we’ve got you covered.

Call Tyler at Total Home Water Restoration: 380-246-1837

We’ll treat your home like it’s our own. No drama. Just honest, professional help.

FAQs

How do I know if my pipe is frozen?
Look for frost on the pipe, no water flow, or bulging sections. If you hear strange noises when turning on the faucet, that’s a red flag.

Can I use a space heater near pipes?
Only if it’s supervised, not too close, and in an open area—not in a cabinet or crawlspace. But it’s still safer to call a pro.

Does homeowner's insurance cover frozen pipe damage?
Most do—if you took reasonable steps to prevent freezing. Letting pipes freeze repeatedly or failing to maintain heat might void coverage.