Where pipes freeze
Exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, attics and under sinks on outside walls. Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation lines are the first to go.
Before the first freeze
Disconnect hoses, insulate exposed pipe with foam sleeves, seal gaps where cold air reaches pipes, and install frost-free hose bibs.
During a deep freeze
Let a thin stream of water run from the faucet farthest from the main, keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher even when away, and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
If a pipe freezes
Shut off the main in case it has already split, open the faucet, and warm the pipe gradually with a hair dryer or heating pad — never a torch. If you can't find or reach the frozen section, call a plumber for safe thawing and inspection.
Need a plumber for this?
MGA Plumbing provides frozen pipe repair 24/7 in every Missouri city — Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia and hundreds more. Upfront pricing, same-day service. Call (888) 480-9811.