My Outdoor Faucet Suddenly Froze and Now I’m Seeing Water Seeping Indoors — What Should I Do Before a Plumber Can Come?
A frozen outdoor faucet is more than a winter inconvenience—it can quickly turn into a serious plumbing emergency. If you’re seeing water seeping indoors, it likely means a pipe has cracked or burst behind the wall. Acting fast can significantly reduce damage before a plumber arrives.
Here’s what you should do immediately and what you can safely check on your own.
Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply Immediately
This is the most important step.
Locate your main water shutoff valve (often in the basement, crawlspace, utility room, or near the water meter).
Turn it clockwise to stop all water flow into the house.
If you can’t find it, shut off water at the meter if accessible. Stopping the flow prevents further leaking and structural damage.
Step 2: Open Faucets to Relieve Pressure
Once the water is off:
Open the outdoor faucet that froze.
Open several indoor cold-water faucets, especially the lowest ones in the house.
This helps relieve trapped pressure in the pipes and allows remaining water to drain out, reducing the risk of additional cracks.
Step 3: Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas (If Needed)
If water is seeping near outlets, walls, or ceilings:
Turn off power to the affected area at the breaker panel.
Avoid standing water near electrical sources.
Safety comes first—water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
Step 4: Contain and Control the Leak
Until professional help arrives:
Place buckets, towels, or absorbent mats where water is seeping.
Use a wet/dry vacuum if you have one.
If you can see a small crack or pinhole leak, you may apply temporary plumbing tape or a rubber patch with a clamp—but only if the water is fully shut off.
These are temporary measures, not permanent fixes.
Step 5: Do NOT Use Open Flames or Extreme Heat
If you’re tempted to thaw the frozen faucet:
Do not use a blowtorch, open flame, or high-heat device.
These can damage pipes or cause fires.
If you must apply heat, use gentle warmth like a hair dryer—only if water is already shut off and there’s no active leaking.
Step 6: Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of:
The outdoor faucet
Indoor water seepage
Any visible wall, ceiling, or floor damage
This documentation can be useful for insurance claims and helps the plumber assess the situation faster.
Step 7: What You Can Rule Out for Now
The issue is not just surface freezing if water is appearing indoors.
It’s likely a burst pipe behind the wall, not the faucet itself.
Turning the faucet handle alone will not stop the problem.
What the Plumber Will Likely Do
When the plumber arrives, they will:
Locate the burst section of pipe
Cut out and replace damaged piping
Check for insulation issues
Recommend a frost-free sillcock or interior shutoff for future prevention
How to Prevent This in the Future
Once repairs are done:
Install frost-free outdoor faucets
Always disconnect hoses before winter
Shut off and drain outdoor water lines
Insulate exposed pipes and exterior walls
The Bottom Line
If your outdoor faucet froze and water is seeping indoors, time is critical. Shut off the main water supply immediately, relieve pressure, control the leak, and avoid unsafe thawing methods. These steps can prevent thousands of dollars in damage while you wait for professional help.
You’re doing the right thing by acting now—fast response makes all the difference in plumbing emergencies.
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