Frozen pipe thawing and repair in Rockland
When pipes freeze, GD Plumbing finds the frozen section, thaws it safely and repairs any damage, for homes and businesses in Rockland, Prescott-Russell and the Ottawa area. Our licensed plumbers can also show you how to keep it from happening again. Call 613-446-5959, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
How can I tell if a pipe is frozen?
- Little or no water from a faucet, especially in cold weather
- Frost on exposed pipes
- A pipe that feels very cold in an exterior wall, crawl space, garage or other unheated area
- A pipe that is bulging, cracked or split
- Sudden running water, drips or wet spots as a frozen pipe thaws
What should I do while I wait for a plumber?
- If you see a crack or a leak, shut off the main water supply right away.
- Open the affected faucet so water can flow as the ice melts.
- Warm the pipe gently, starting at the end closest to the faucet, for example with a hair dryer or by raising the temperature in the room. Never use an open flame.
- If you cannot find the frozen section, or water is leaking, call a plumber.
What do we do for frozen pipes?
- Find the frozen section.
- Thaw it safely.
- Inspect the pipes for cracks and leaks.
- Repair or replace any damaged pipe.
- Recommend ways to protect vulnerable pipes before the next cold snap.
How can I prevent frozen pipes?
- Keep the heat on, even when you are away.
- Open the cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps.
- Let a faucet drip slightly during extreme cold.
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor taps before winter.
What affects the cost of frozen pipe repair?
Every situation is different. The main factors are:
- Where the frozen section is and how easy it is to reach
- How much pipe is frozen
- Whether the pipe has cracked or burst
- The pipe material and the repair or replacement needed
- Damage from escaped water is separate from the plumbing repair and may be a matter for your home insurance
Prices depend on the job, so we give a quote for each one. Call 613-446-5959 or request a quote.
Licence and insurance
GD Plumbing is licensed and insured. Our team of plumbers has 35 years of experience and includes Red Seal plumbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I thaw a frozen pipe?
Open the affected faucet, then warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or by heating the room, starting at the end closest to the faucet. Never use an open flame or a torch. If the pipe is cracked, water is leaking or you cannot find the frozen section, shut off the main water supply and call a plumber.
When are pipes most likely to freeze?
Pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics and unheated garages are the most at risk during long cold snaps, especially with wind. Pipes close to outside walls or without insulation freeze first.
Will a frozen pipe burst?
Not always, but it can. Ice can block the pipe and raise the pressure between the blockage and the faucet, and that is where a pipe often splits. The split may only show once the ice thaws, so check for leaks when the water starts flowing again.
Should I shut off the water if a pipe freezes?
If the pipe is frozen but not leaking, open the faucet and warm the pipe gently. If you see a crack or any leak, shut off the main water supply and call a plumber.
Do you handle frozen pipes in commercial buildings?
Yes. GD Plumbing does both residential and commercial plumbing.
How much does it cost to fix a frozen pipe?
It depends on where the frozen section is, how much pipe is affected and whether it has cracked or burst. Prices vary from job to job, so we give a quote for each one. Call 613-446-5959 or request a quote.
Where do we do this work?
We serve these communities from our base in Rockland. Ontario only: we do not work on the Quebec side.