My Pipes are Frozen!

Robbie Balla • February 28, 2025

How to deal with frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are every homeowner's winter nightmare. Not only can they restrict access to essential water, but they can also lead to burst pipes and costly repairs if not addressed quickly. While Southern Ontario winters can be relentless, knowing the right steps to take can save you from significant damage and stress.


Here’s a guide to help homeowners, renters, and DIY enthusiasts tackle frozen pipes safely and effectively.


How to Identify Frozen Pipes

The first step is recognizing the problem. Here are common signs your pipes might be frozen:

  • No Running Water: If you open a faucet and nothing (or just a trickle) comes out, the pipe feeding that faucet may be frozen.
  • Frost on Pipes: Visible frost or ice on exposed pipes is a red flag.
  • Unusual Sounds: Bubbling, whistling, or clanking sounds in pipes could indicate blockages caused by ice.
  • Strange Odors: A backup of odors in your home might signal that a frozen pipe is obstructing proper drainage.


What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

Dealing with frozen pipes promptly is critical, but it’s important to take the right precautions to avoid further damage.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you do anything else, locate your home's main water shut-off valve and turn it off. This step helps prevent water from bursting out if the pipe cracks or thaws unexpectedly.

2. Locate the Frozen Section

Check exposed pipes in your basement, crawl spaces, and under sinks. If the frozen section is behind walls or out of sight, you may need to call in a professional plumber to avoid damaging your home while accessing the pipe.

3. Open Faucets

Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe slightly. This allows water to flow out as the ice melts, alleviating pressure inside the pipe.

4. Apply Gentle Heat

Never use an open flame or high heat source, as this can damage pipes or cause a fire. Instead, opt for safer methods:

  • Use a hairdryer to apply gentle heat to the frozen area.
  • Wrap the pipe in warm towels soaked in hot water, reapplying as needed.
  • Use an electric heating pad or infrared lamp aimed at the frozen section.

Start from the faucet and work your way toward the frozen area to ensure melted ice can drain out.

5. Call a Professional

If you’re unable to locate or thaw the frozen pipe—or if the pipe is already cracked—contact a professional plumber at A Rescue Rooter immediately. Companies like A Rescue Rooter specialize in resolving issues like these quickly and safely, minimizing potential damage to your home.


How to Prevent Frozen Pipes 

Being proactive can save you time and money down the road. Here’s how to protect your pipes during the colder months:

  • Insulate Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in insulation sleeves or heat tape to keep them warm.
  • Seal Gaps: Caulk and seal any cracks or holes in your home's walls, floors, or foundation to prevent drafts.
  • Leave Faucets Dripping: On freezing nights, leave faucets dripping slightly to keep water moving through your pipes and reduce the risk of freezing.
  • Keep Your Home Warm: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even when you're away, and keep your thermostat at 55°F (around 13°C) or higher.
  • Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks and in cabinetry by keeping the doors slightly open.

When to Call A Rescue Rooter

If you’re dealing with frozen pipes—or want to ensure your home is winter-ready—A Rescue Rooter in Southern Ontario is here to help. Whether it’s thawing frozen pipes, repairing a burst, or preventative maintenance, our team of experienced professionals has you covered.

Freezing temperatures can be daunting for homeowners and renters alike, but quick action and the right help can make all the difference. Don’t wait until the problem worsens—reach out to A Rescue Rooter today to safeguard your home during the cold months.


Need Help Now? 

For emergency frozen pipe services, contact A Rescue Rooter at 905-521-8284. Your peace of mind is just a call away at anytime without a Premium Charge.

7 Warning Signs You Need a Hamilton Plumber Before the Problem Gets Worse

By Chelsey Smith • August 19, 2026
Small Plumbing Problems Rarely Stay Small A slow drain, faint water stain or occasional gurgle may be easy to dismiss when everything still seems to work. Unfortunately, many serious plumbing failures begin with minor symptoms. Water can travel behind walls, blockages can build deeper in a drain line, and damaged components can fail without much warning. Recognizing trouble early gives a plumber an opportunity to identify the cause before it creates extensive water damage, mould, sewage exposure or an unexpected loss of service. Hamilton homeowners and business operators should pay particular attention to the following seven warning signs.

Mid-Summer Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Should Watch For

August 6, 2026
Summer is in full swing, the kids are home, guests are visiting, gardens are thriving, and your home's plumbing system is likely working harder than it has all year. While most homeowners think about plumbing problems during freezing winter weather, mid-summer can bring its own unique set of challenges. Being aware of common seasonal plumbing issues can help you avoid costly repairs and unexpected emergencies. If you notice signs of trouble, the experienced team at a Rescue Rooter is available to help homeowners throughout Hamilton with fast, professional plumbing services. 1. Clogged Kitchen Drains Summer often means more family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and outdoor entertaining. Unfortunately, all that extra cooking can wreak havoc on your kitchen sink. Grease, cooking oils, coffee grounds, vegetable peels, and food scraps can gradually build up inside your drains. Even if everything appears to be flowing normally, partial blockages can quickly become complete clogs. To help prevent problems: ● Never pour grease down the sink. ● Use drain strainers to catch food particles. ● Run plenty of cold water when using your garbage disposal. 2. Sewer Line Problems Tree roots are especially active during the warm summer months as they search for moisture. Tiny cracks in underground sewer lines can attract roots, eventually leading to blockages, slow drains, unpleasant odours, or even sewage backups. Warning signs include: ● Multiple slow drains throughout the home ● Gurgling toilets ● Water backing up into tubs or showers ● Sewage smells inside or outside your home Professional camera inspections can identify these problems before they become major repairs. a Rescue Rooter offers camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro flushing, and sewer services for homeowners in Hamilton. 3. Washing Machine Overload With kids home from school, vacations, camping trips, sports, and swimming, many families find themselves doing far more laundry than usual. Extra loads place added strain on: ● Water supply hoses ● Drain lines ● Shut-off valves ● Washing machine connections Inspect hoses regularly for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Replacing an aging hose is far less expensive than cleaning up water damage from a burst line. 4. Outdoor Faucet Leaks Garden watering, pressure washing, filling pools, and washing vehicles all increase demand on outdoor faucets. Watch for: ● Dripping hose bibs ● Low water pressure ● Water pooling around exterior walls ● Leaks where hoses connect Small leaks may seem insignificant but can waste hundreds of litres of water over the course of a summer. 5. Sump Pump Issues Summer thunderstorms can dump large amounts of rain in a short period of time. If your sump pump hasn't been tested recently, you may not discover a problem until your basement begins taking on water. It's a good idea to: ● Test the pump before heavy storms arrive. ● Ensure the discharge line is clear. ● Remove debris from the sump pit. ● Consider a battery backup for power outages. 6. Water Heater Trouble Although your water heater works less during the summer, sediment buildup doesn't take a vacation. Signs your water heater may need attention include: ● Inconsistent hot water ● Strange rumbling noises ● Rust-coloured water ● Water leaking around the tank Routine maintenance can improve efficiency and extend the life of your water heater. 7. Hidden Leaks Summer vacations can leave homes sitting empty for days or even weeks. A small plumbing leak can become a major problem while you're away. Before leaving: ● Check under sinks. ● Inspect toilets for leaks. ● Turn off the main water supply if practical. ● Ask someone to check your home if you'll be away for an extended period. Don't Ignore Small Plumbing Problems One dripping faucet or one slow drain may not seem urgent, but small issues often become much larger—and much more expensive—when ignored. Mid-summer is an excellent time to inspect your home's plumbing before busy fall schedules return. Whether you're dealing with a clogged drain, sewer concerns, leaking pipes, water heater problems, or emergency plumbing repairs, a Rescue Rooter has been serving Hamilton and the surrounding area with residential, commercial, and emergency plumbing services. Their team provides 24/7 emergency service along with drain cleaning, video inspections, water heater repairs, sewer services, and general plumbing repairs. For more information or to schedule service, visit www.arescuerooter.ca . A little preventative maintenance today can help keep your plumbing flowing smoothly for the rest of the summer.

Drain Cleaning Hamilton: Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning Before a Small Clog Becomes a Big Problem

By Chelsey Smith • July 23, 2026
A slow-draining sink or recurring clogged shower might seem like a minor inconvenience, but these issues often point to a much larger plumbing problem. Ignoring blocked drains can lead to unpleasant odours, water damage, sewer backups, and expensive repairs. That's why homeowners and businesses rely on professional Drain Cleaning Hamilton services to keep their plumbing systems flowing properly year-round. At Rescue Rooter, we've been providing trusted plumbing and drain cleaning services throughout Hamilton and Southern Ontario for over 40 years. Whether you're dealing with a stubborn kitchen sink clog or a backed-up sewer line, our experienced team has the tools and expertise to solve the problem quickly and effectively.
Show More