Central Indiana winter weather can drop temperatures fast—especially overnight. When that happens, pipes in crawl spaces, exterior walls, basements, and garages can freeze quickly. If your faucet suddenly stops running or only trickles, you may have a frozen pipe.
This guide is for homeowners in Mooresville, Plainfield, Greenwood, Avon, Broad Ripple, Martinsville, and Franklin who want clear steps to reduce damage, thaw safely, and know when to call Peak Plumbing.
How to Know If Your Pipes Are Frozen
Common signs of frozen pipes include:
- No water from one faucet (often on an exterior wall)
- Very low water pressure at one fixture or area of the home
- Hot water works but cold doesn’t (or the reverse)
- Frost on an exposed pipe
- A pipe feels ice-cold or looks slightly bulged
If multiple fixtures stop working, the freeze may be in a larger branch line or where your water line enters the home.
Step-by-Step: What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Step 1) Shut off the main water supply
This is your best protection against flooding. Pipes often burst while thawing, not necessarily while fully frozen.
- Turn off your main shutoff valve
- If you’re unsure where it is, check near the water heater, basement utility area, or where the water line enters the home
Step 2) Open the affected faucet (hot + cold)
Open the faucet that isn’t flowing—both hot and cold if it’s a single-handle faucet.
This helps:
- Reduce pressure in the line (lower burst risk)
- Give melting ice a place to escape
Step 3) Find the most likely frozen section
In Central Indiana, frozen pipes are most common:
- Under sinks on exterior walls
- In crawl spaces
- Near basement rim joists
- In lines running above/through unheated garages
- At the indoor connection for an outdoor spigot
If you can access exposed pipe safely, find the coldest section or visible frost.
Step 4) Thaw safely (no torch, no open flame)
Use gentle heat and work from the faucet end toward the frozen section.
Safe methods:
- Hair dryer (keep moving)
- Heating pad wrapped around pipe
- Warm towels (rotate frequently)
- Space heater warming the room (do not leave unattended)
Avoid:
- Torches/open flame (fire hazard + pipe damage)
- Extreme heat focused on one spot
Step 5) Watch for leaks as it thaws
As soon as water starts moving, inspect closely:
- Under sinks and cabinets
- Basement/crawl space lines
- Around the section you heated
If you see dripping or spraying, shut off the main water immediately.
Step 6) Restore water slowly and flush the line
Once flow returns and you don’t see leaks:
- Keep the faucet open
- Slowly turn the main shutoff back on
- Let water run several minutes to clear slush
If you still don’t have water, the freeze may be deeper in the line—or the pipe may be damaged.
FAQs: Frozen Pipes in Central Indiana
Q: Should I shut off the main water if my pipes freeze?
A: Yes. Shutting off the main water reduces the risk of flooding if the pipe cracked during freezing and starts leaking as it thaws.
Q: How can I tell if a frozen pipe burst?
A: Look for dripping or spraying water, damp drywall, stains, pooling water, or musty smells. When in doubt, shut off the main water and call a plumber.
Q: Can I thaw a frozen pipe with a hair dryer?
A: Yes. A hair dryer is one of the safest DIY options. Use steady heat, keep it moving, and start near the faucet end.
Q: Is it safe to use a torch to thaw frozen pipes?
A: No. Open flames are a major fire risk and can damage pipes and fittings. Use gentle heat methods or call Peak Plumbing.
Q: Why did only one faucet stop working?
A: Usually a branch line froze—commonly under a sink on an exterior wall, in a crawl space, or above a garage.
Q: What if the frozen pipe is inside a wall?
A: Stop DIY heating attempts and call a plumber. Heating blindly through drywall can be unsafe and may not reach the frozen section.
Q: Will frozen pipes thaw on their own?
A: Sometimes, but it’s risky. Pipes often leak during thawing. It’s safer to relieve pressure, thaw carefully, and monitor for leaks.
Prevent Frozen Pipes Tonight (Quick Checklist)
- Let vulnerable faucets drip during extreme cold
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- Keep thermostat steady overnight
- Seal drafts near rim joists and pipe penetrations
- Disconnect hoses and winterize outdoor spigots
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces/basements
Call Peak Plumbing (Mooresville, Plainfield, Greenwood, Avon, Broad Ripple, Martinsville, Franklin)
Frozen pipes can turn into burst pipes fast—especially when the thaw starts. If you’re in Mooresville, Plainfield, Greenwood, Avon, Broad Ripple, Martinsville, or Franklin, Peak Plumbing is ready to help.
Call Peak Plumbing now to schedule service for:
- Frozen pipe diagnosis and safe thawing
- Burst pipe repair and leak checks
- Cold-weather prevention options so it doesn’t happen again
If you have an active leak or flooding: shut off your main water and call Peak Plumbing immediately.