Reduced or stopped water flow can be a reason to check for a plumbing problem, but it doesn’t confirm that a pipe is frozen. Note which fixtures are affected and look for visible leaks or wet spots.

What you can tell from the symptoms

Reduced flow or no water at a fixture is an observation, not proof of a frozen pipe. Check for visible drips or damp areas, but leave pipe inspection and repair to a plumbing professional.

When to contact a plumber

Contact a plumbing professional if you see a leak, can’t restore normal water flow, or aren’t sure what’s causing the problem. If you suspect a household leak, EPA WaterSense suggests checking the water meter before and after two hours when no water is being used; a change may indicate a leak. Don’t dismantle plumbing to investigate.

Choose a service for the problem you see

Use Leak Repair if you’re seeing a leak or water damage. When contacting a company, ask whether it can inspect a possible frozen pipe as well as repair any leak. EPA WaterSense advises consulting a plumbing professional when simple fixture fixes aren’t enough to stop a household leak.

Need help with this? Find a local provider