While there are some basic steps homeowners can take, professional thawing is much safer and more effective. The biggest risk with DIY thawing is applying heat too quickly or unevenly, which can cause pipes to burst from sudden pressure changes.
If you want to try some initial steps while waiting for us to arrive, you can open the affected faucet to relieve pressure and apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, starting from the faucet end and working toward the frozen section. Never use open flames, torches, or high-heat devices.
However, the safest approach is to call us immediately. We have specialized equipment that thaws pipes evenly and safely, and we can quickly identify if there are multiple frozen areas or if damage has already occurred. In Auburn’s rare freeze events, it’s better to get professional help than risk turning a frozen pipe into a burst pipe and flood.