Pipe Thawing

Frozen pipes can halt daily life and put your home or business at risk of leaks or burst lines. John Shelton Plumbing provides safe, professional pipe thawing throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley, restoring water service while protecting your plumbing system from damage. Since 1983, our licensed team has helped homeowners, landlords, and small businesses navigate winter freezes quickly and safely—with practical fixes and prevention strategies that hold up to Western PA winters.

How We Thaw Pipes Safely

DIY heat guns and open flames cause fires and damaged piping. Our technicians use controlled, professional methods matched to your material (copper, PEX, CPVC) and location (basements, crawlspaces, exterior walls). We warm lines gradually, monitor progress, and verify weak points before pressure returns—reducing the risk of a post-thaw rupture.

Where Freezes Commonly Occur

• Uninsulated exterior walls: Kitchen or bathroom supply lines routed along outer walls
• Unheated basements/crawlspaces: Long runs and hose bibb branches
• Utility rooms and garages: Poorly insulated door thresholds or slab penetrations
• Seasonal properties: Vacant homes or offices with setback thermostats

What to Do Before We Arrive

• Turn thermostats up a few degrees and open cabinet doors under sinks.
• Close drafty windows/vents near suspected freeze points.
• Open affected faucets slightly—this relieves pressure and shows progress as lines thaw.
• Do not use open flames or space heaters in confined spaces.

After the Thaw: Inspection & Repairs

Once water is flowing, we inspect for splits, weeping joints, and hidden leaks. If damage is found, we’ll complete on-the-spot repairs or schedule targeted Water Line Repair. For chronic cold spots, we also recommend long-term fixes such as re-routing exposed runs, adding shutoffs for seasonal draining, or installing heat-trace in problem areas.

Prevention That Works

• Insulate: Wrap exposed lines in basements, crawlspaces, and exterior walls.
• Eliminate drafts: Seal rim joists and penetrations that let cold air hit pipes.
• Smart setbacks: Keep thermostats above 55°F in cold snaps and during travel.
• Seasonal draining: Add shutoffs and drains for garages, hose bibbs, and outbuildings.

Commercial & Multi-Unit Pipe Thawing

For small businesses and multi-family buildings, we coordinate access, isolate zones, and restore service with minimal downtime. If repeated freezes are impacting operations, we’ll propose durable solutions and maintenance plans.

FAQs

How long does it take to thaw frozen pipes?

Most frozen lines can be thawed within one to three hours depending on access and pipe length. Severe freezes may take longer, especially if multiple runs are affected.

Will my pipes burst while thawing?

Proper, controlled thawing reduces that risk. We gradually warm lines and inspect for splits before pressure is restored. If damage exists, we repair or isolate it immediately.

Can you help prevent freezing next time?

Yes. After the thaw, we identify vulnerable spots and recommend insulation, re-routing, or seasonal drain valves to protect against future cold snaps.

Service hours: Mon–Fri 7:30–4:00, Sat 8:00–12:00, Sun Closed.