Blue Diamond, NV Pipe Repair: Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

Frozen pipes do not just happen in the Midwest. During cold snaps in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin, exposed lines can freeze overnight. Here is how to fix frozen pipes using a hair dryer or space heater, safely and step by step, so you restore water without causing a burst. If you see leaks or hear hissing, stop and call Sierra for same‑day help.

Why Pipes Freeze In Las Vegas And How To Spot It

Winter storms and desert nights can dip below 32°F in Sunrise Manor and Enterprise. Pipes in attics, garages, exterior walls, and hose bibs are the first to freeze. Copper and PEX both freeze if uninsulated or exposed to drafts.

Common signs your pipe is frozen:

1. No or slow water flow from a specific faucet.
2. Frost or condensation on an exposed pipe.
3. A bulge in a section of pipe or fittings that looks out of round.
4. Gurgling sounds when you turn a tap.
5. Wet drywall, ceiling stains, or a sudden drop in water pressure after a thaw.

If the pipe has split or you see water spraying, shut off the main and call for emergency service. Sierra offers 24/7 response and can reach most neighborhoods the same day if booked by 6 PM.

Safety First: What Never To Do When Thawing A Pipe

Thawing is simple, but the wrong heat source can start a fire or crack a line.

Never do the following:

1. Do not use an open flame, torch, or propane heater on pipes.
2. Do not leave a space heater unattended or closer than 3 feet to combustibles.
3. Do not plug a space heater into an extension cord. Plug directly into a wall outlet.
4. Do not overheat one spot. Move heat slowly along the pipe to avoid steam pressure.
5. Do not turn on all fixtures at once after thawing. Open them one at a time to control pressure.

These are common recommendations from fire‑safety authorities and manufacturers. If anything smells like melting plastic or you trip a breaker, stop and call a professional.

Step‑By‑Step: Thawing With A Hair Dryer

A hair dryer is ideal for small, accessible sections such as under a sink, in a vanity, or near a laundry area.

1. Turn off nearby electricity if there is active leaking. Water and electricity do not mix.
2. Open the affected faucet slightly. A slow drip relieves pressure and helps the thaw.
3. Expose the pipe. Remove cabinet doors or panels for airflow.
4. Start from the faucet end and work backward toward the frozen section. This prevents trapped steam.
5. Keep the dryer on medium heat and 2 to 4 inches from the pipe. Sweep back and forth slowly.
6. Warm fittings and valves gently. Do not point heat at one spot for more than 10 to 15 seconds.
7. Continue until water flows steadily. Let the faucet run for 2 to 3 minutes to clear slush.

Pro tip: For metal pipes, place a towel behind the pipe to reflect heat. For PEX, keep the dryer moving to avoid softening the tubing.

Step‑By‑Step: Thawing With A Space Heater

Use a space heater only for larger areas like garages or laundry rooms where you can warm the entire zone.

1. Clear a 3‑foot radius around the heater. Remove cardboard, chemicals, and fabrics.
2. Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet. Set it on a flat, stable surface.
3. Point heat into the room, not directly at the pipe. You are warming the air, not cooking the pipe.
4. Open the affected faucet to a slow drip.
5. Close doors to concentrate heat. For under‑sink lines, leave cabinet doors open.
6. Check progress every 10 minutes. When water starts to flow, lower the heater setting and let the area warm for another 15 to 30 minutes.

If you smell burning or the heater cycles the breaker, unplug it and call a professional. Sierra’s technicians can set up safe, temporary heat and insulate vulnerable lines.

If You Cannot Reach The Pipe: Other Low‑Risk Options

Sometimes the freeze is in an exterior wall or crawl space. Try these before cutting drywall:

1. Portable infrared lamp aimed at the wall section, 12 to 18 inches away, monitored closely.
2. Warm towels rotated over the pipe every 5 minutes if you have access.
3. Heating pads on the lowest setting wrapped loosely around the pipe.
4. For crawl spaces, a safe space heater warming the whole area while you monitor the surroundings.

Avoid salt, boiling water, or chemical de‑icers on plumbing. They can corrode fittings and damage finishes.

How To Prevent A Burst While Thawing

The biggest risk during thawing is a hidden crack that opens as ice turns to water. Manage pressure deliberately.

• Keep the affected faucet open so meltwater has an exit.
• If you have separate hot and cold lines, open both slightly.
• Thaw toward the frozen section from the faucet side.
• Check adjacent fixtures for normal pressure after the first thaw.
• Watch for leaks for 24 hours, especially in ceilings below bathrooms and kitchens.

If you notice water hammer, loud banging, or a sudden pressure surge, shut the fixture and call a pro. Pressure regulators can fail in cold snaps and need adjustment or replacement.

What To Do If The Pipe Has Already Burst

A split often shows up as a damp ceiling or a hissing sound behind a wall. Act fast:

1. Shut off the main water supply. Most Vegas homes have a shutoff near the meter or at the front hose bib.
2. Turn off the water heater to protect it from running dry.
3. Open lower‑level faucets to drain the lines.
4. Place buckets, move valuables, and lay towels to limit damage.
5. Call Sierra for 24/7 emergency response. Our fully stocked service vans carry most fittings, valves, and PEX repair couplings to complete same‑day repairs.

After a burst, we often use a camera inspection to verify no additional cracks exist. Sierra offers a $99 full camera inspection that shows exactly what is inside your pipes.

When To DIY And When To Call A Pro

A careful DIY thaw is fine when:

• The pipe is accessible, no signs of splitting, and the freeze is recent.
• You have the right tools, safe electric supply, and time to monitor the process.

Call Sierra immediately when:

• You hear hissing, see bulges, or water stains appear.
• Multiple fixtures are dead, suggesting a main or trunk line freeze.
• The freeze is in a wall, attic, or slab.
• You have a history of slab leaks or prior winter damage.

We provide free frozen or burst pipe repair diagnostics and same‑day service if booked by 6 PM. If we perform the repair, we waive the diagnostic charge.

Pro Diagnostics That Save Drywall And Money

Frozen pipes often hide upstream issues. As a technology‑first team, we use:

• Pipe‑lining camera inspections to detect and repair leaks in your pipework without guesswork.
• Trenchless sewer line diagnostics to pinpoint damage without digging.
• Underground leak detection for yards, hose bibs, and irrigation lines.

Two hard facts that protect homeowners:

1. Sierra has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and 30+ years of local service, so you get proven workmanship.
2. Our vans act as moving warehouses, fully stocked with parts and materials needed to complete your service. Most repairs are completed on the first visit.

Insulation And Long‑Term Prevention For Vegas Homes

Prevention is cheaper than repairs. Focus on the common Las Vegas weak points.

• Attic and garage supply lines: Add foam sleeves and insulate garage doors.
• Exterior wall runs behind kitchen sinks: Add foam pipe wrap and cover wall penetrations that leak cold air.
• Hose bibs and yard hydrants in Henderson and North Las Vegas: Install frost‑proof fixtures and insulated covers.
• Vacation readiness for Snowbirds: Set the thermostat to at least 55°F and let a cold tap drip in the coldest room.

Sierra’s S.A.M. maintenance plan includes priority service, repair discounts, and credits toward service. Members get proactive leak checks during the four annual visits.

Thawing Checklist You Can Save

Run this quick list when a freeze is forecast:

1. Open sink cabinets and let warm air circulate.
2. Let a pencil‑thin stream run at the farthest cold tap.
3. Wrap exposed lines with towels before bedtime.
4. Know where your main shutoff valve is and test it.
5. Keep a hair dryer handy, and a safe space heater with tip‑over protection.

If you wake to no water, follow the dryer steps, watch pressure, and call if anything looks off. Same‑day help is available across Las Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin.

Special Offers For Frozen And Burst Pipes

• Free Frozen or Burst Pipe Repair Diagnostic + Same Day Service. If we do the work we will waive the diagnostic charge. Call (702) 710-9106.
• $29 Plumbing Repair Diagnostic. On‑site diagnosis. Diagnostic waived if we perform the repair. Book by 6 PM for same‑day service.
• $99 Full Camera Inspection. We will show you what is inside your pipes so you can decide with confidence.
• Water Line Repair or Install Financing. Options as low as $199 per month. Free estimate and same‑day availability.

Schedule at https://sierracoolslv.com/ or call now at (702) 710-9106. Mention any offer when you book.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"I want to let everyone know that , Ruben the head plumbing guy came to our home and repaired our plumbing and water leak. Ruben did an excellent work not only he was there to address the problem right away but he was thorough and making sure problem was taking care of. ... Thank you so much Ruben for addressing and being there so solve our problem right away. Your very satesfied customer, Berni and Linda."
–Berni & Linda, Pipe Repair

"Melvin came and was professional and efficient. He explained all of his findings and fixed the leak. Another excellent experience with Sierra!"
–Homeowner, Leak Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hot water or a heat gun to thaw a frozen pipe?

Do not pour boiling water on pipes or use a heat gun. Boiling water can shock fittings and damage finishes. Heat guns can overheat one spot and crack the pipe. Use a hair dryer on medium or warm the area with a safe space heater.

How long does it take to thaw a frozen pipe with a hair dryer?

Most small freezes thaw in 15 to 45 minutes. Start at the faucet end and work toward the frozen section. Keep the dryer moving and the faucet cracked open to relieve pressure and speed the thaw.

Should I shut off water before thawing?

If there is no sign of a split, you can leave the main on and open the affected faucet to a drip. If you see bulges, hear hissing, or spot leaks, shut off the main immediately before applying heat.

Will a space heater damage PEX or PVC?

A properly used space heater warms the room, not the pipe surface directly. Keep a 3‑foot clearance, plug into a wall outlet, and monitor. Avoid pointing high heat at one spot. For plastic pipes, slow and even warming is best.

How do I prevent refreezing after the water starts flowing?

Let water run for 2 to 3 minutes, then insulate the pipe and seal drafts. Keep cabinet doors open overnight and maintain indoor temperatures at 55°F or higher during the cold snap. Consider a S.A.M. maintenance visit for a full pipe risk check.

In Summary

You can fix frozen pipes using a hair dryer or space heater if you work slowly, warm the area safely, and relieve pressure. If you suspect a split or cannot reach the line, call the pros. For fast help with how to fix frozen pipes in Las Vegas or Henderson, call Sierra at (702) 710-9106 or schedule at https://sierracoolslv.com/.

Ready To Get Help Now?

Call (702) 710-9106 or book online at https://sierracoolslv.com/. Ask for the Free Frozen or Burst Pipe Diagnostic. Same‑day service if you book by 6 PM. Join S.A.M. for priority visits and 15% off repairs.

About Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing

For 30+ years, Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing has protected Las Vegas homes with fast, code‑compliant plumbing. Our technicians are background‑checked and certified. We offer 24/7 service, same‑day availability if booked by 6 PM, fully stocked trucks, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. As a local, award‑winning team with BBB A+ and Best of Las Vegas honors, we combine camera‑first diagnostics, trenchless options, and honest pricing to deliver repairs right the first time.