Frozen Pipes

Prompt Frozen Pipe Repair and Prevention Services

Since 2000, Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has provided trusted frozen pipe repair and 24/7 prevention services across Spokane and Northern Idaho.

An outdoor faucet frozen over with ice

Emergency Frozen Pipe Assistance

Don’t Let a Frozen Pipe Turn Into a Flood

Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient—they’re a ticking time bomb. When water freezes inside your plumbing, it expands, putting pressure on your pipes that can lead to cracks, bursts, and serious water damage. At Mainstream, we understand the urgency and stress that come with frozen pipes, especially during Spokane’s harsh winters.

That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services to get your home back to normal—day or night. Our licensed pros come equipped to thaw frozen lines, repair breaks, and protect your plumbing system from future freeze-ups. And with our Care Club, you’ll get year-round support, priority scheduling, and seasonal checkups designed to help prevent frozen pipes before they start.

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Why Spokane Homeowners Choose Mainstream

Welcome to Mainstream Home Services  – your one-stop solution for all your electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. Here’s why you should trust us with your home services:

Flexible Scheduling

We respect your time and prioritize efficient communication. We ensure minimal wait times for our technicians, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your home. Expect a call before our technician arrives, giving you the flexibility to plan your day accordingly.

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No surprises, no hidden costs. Our upfront pricing provides competitive quotes tailored to your specific service requirements. You'll receive a detailed breakdown of the work involved, ensuring transparency and total peace of mind.

Expert Technicians

Our friendly, skilled technicians are experts in electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing services. With state-of-the-art tools and expertise, we guarantee precise, code-compliant work. Your home will be left spotless, reflecting our commitment to cleanliness and professionalism.

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Frozen Pipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Low Water Pressure

Are you having issues with your water pressure? If you experience slow or no water flow at all, it’s time to call a plumber to check it out. While it does not mean that a pipe has completely burst, it can be a symptom of other pipe issues and even clogging.

Pools of Water on the Lawn

Have you started to notice random pools of water on your lawn? This may be a symptom of a burst pipe that needs repair right away. Standing water or even the beginnings of sinkholes on your property can be a sign of a very serious issue. To prevent any further damage, it’s best to give Mainstream a call right away.

Damp Walls

If the walls in your home are damp or have unexplained watermarks on them, that’s a sign that the pipes behind the wall have burst. Luckily, that means our expert technicians know exactly where the burst is and can go through the repair process even quicker.

When faced with the unfortunate event of a burst pipe in your home, quick action is crucial to minimize damage and restore normalcy. Here’s what you should do if you suspect a burst pipe, along with some handy tips to mitigate the situation before our Mainstream experts arrive:

  1. Turn off the main water supply: The first step is to halt the flow of water by turning off the main water supply. This prevents further water from entering the system and exacerbating the issue.
  2. Call Mainstream: Reach out to Mainstream as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with our expert plumbers. Prompt action can help minimize damage and expedite repairs.
  3. Clean up excess water: Swiftly clear away any standing water to prevent further damage to your property. Timely cleanup reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, preserving the integrity of your home.
  4. Drain faucets and flush toilets: Drain faucets to relieve pressure from the pipes and flush toilets multiple times to clear out remaining water. This step helps prevent additional leaks and damage.
  5. Let in warm air: Increase the temperature in your home to facilitate the thawing of frozen pipes. Additionally, use a hair dryer to gently warm the pipes, preventing further breaks due to sudden temperature changes.
  6. Keep doors open for air circulation: Ensure proper air circulation by keeping interior doors open. This helps dry out the affected area faster and aids in the restoration process.
  7. Temporary fixes: In case of emergency, you can use temporary fixes such as repair sleeves or rubber, wood, and clamp combinations to stem the flow of water temporarily. However, these solutions are not long-term fixes, so it’s crucial to contact Mainstream for professional repairs promptly.

At Mainstream, we understand the urgency of addressing plumbing emergencies like burst pipes. Our experienced plumbers are equipped to handle such situations with expertise and efficiency. Don’t hesitate to contact us for reliable plumbing services in the Spokane area. Schedule a maintenance visit today to ensure your home’s plumbing system remains in top condition.

Yes, in most cases, homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover damage caused by burst pipes. This includes the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property such as wood flooring, drywall, and furniture. Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing understands the stress and financial burden that burst pipe damage can bring. That’s why it’s essential to have reliable homeowner’s insurance coverage to protect your home from unexpected emergencies. If you’re unsure about the extent of your coverage or need assistance navigating the claims process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you through every step of the way and ensure your home is back to its pre-damage condition as quickly as possible.

Preventing pipes from freezing is crucial, especially in colder climates like Spokane. Here are some tips from Mainstream to help you avoid frozen pipes in the future:

  1. Insulate pipes: Use pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape to protect pipes in unheated areas like basements and attics.
  2. Seal gaps: Caulk around windows, doors, and pipe entry points to keep cold air out.
  3. Maintain temperature: Keep your home consistently heated, even when you’re away, to prevent freezing.
  4. Allow faucets to drip: Dripping faucets can relieve pressure in pipes and prevent freezing.
  5. Disconnect hoses: Drain outdoor hoses and shut off outdoor water to prevent freezing.
  6. Heat unheated areas: Add supplemental heating to spaces with exposed pipes, like garages.
  7. Consider backup power: Install a generator to keep essential systems running during power outages.

Following these tips can help you avoid the costly damage of frozen pipes. Contact Mainstream for any plumbing concerns or assistance.

 

In Washington, the winters can be harsh, bringing the risk of frozen outdoor spigots. To protect your spigots during the cold months, consider these preventative measures:

  1. Install Freeze-Proof Faucets: These are designed to prevent water from freezing inside the spigot, reducing the risk of burst pipes.
  2. Insulate Outdoor Faucets: Insulation can keep the cold air away from your spigots.
  3. Disconnect Hoses: Water left in hoses can freeze and expand, causing connected spigots to freeze and break.
  4. Install Frost-Free Hose Bibs: These are specifically designed to prevent freezing by shutting off the water flow within the heated space of your home.
  5. Use Outdoor Faucet Covers: These inexpensive covers provide additional insulation against the cold.
  6. Drain Water Lines: Removing all water from the lines prevents freezing.
  7. Install Heat Tape: Heat tape around pipes can keep them warm enough to prevent freezing.
  8. Close Interior Shut-Off Valves: Shutting off the water supply to outdoor faucets from inside the home can prevent freezing.
  9. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Sealing any openings in your home’s exterior can keep cold air away from pipes and spigots.
  10. Use Faucet Insulation Covers: Similar to outdoor faucet covers, these provide a barrier against the cold.
  11. Keep Garage Doors Closed: If your outdoor spigots are located near or in a garage, keeping the garage doors closed can help maintain a warmer environment around the pipes.

Mainstream is dedicated to helping Spokane residents winterize their homes, ensuring that your outdoor spigots and plumbing are prepared for the winter chill and the summer heat every year. If you’re unsure about how to protect your outdoor plumbing or need professional assistance, Mainstream is here to help with all your plumbing needs.

Dealing with frozen pipes requires caution to avoid damage. Here’s how to safely thaw them and prevent freezing in the future:

Thawing Frozen Pipes Safely:

  1. Identify Frozen Sections: Check for areas where water trickles or doesn’t flow at all. This indicates a likely freeze point.
  2. Open Faucets: Open both hot and cold faucets slightly. This relieves pressure and allows melted water to escape.
  3. Apply Heat: Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or electric heating pad to apply gentle heat to the frozen section, starting from the faucet end and moving toward the blockage.
  4. Use Hot Towels: Wrap towels soaked in hot water around the pipe as an alternative to direct heating.
  5. Avoid Open Flames: Never use a torch or open flame to thaw pipes, as this poses a significant fire risk.
  6. Professional Help: If unable to thaw the pipe or if it bursts, contact a professional plumber immediately.

Preventing Frozen Kitchen Pipes:

  1. Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation on pipes in unheated areas such as basements or garages.
  2. Keep Cabinet Doors Open: Allow warm air to circulate around under-sink pipes by leaving cabinet doors open.
  3. Let Faucets Drip: A slight drip can prevent water from freezing by keeping it moving.
  4. Seal Cracks and Gaps: Block cold air entry by sealing openings near kitchen pipes.
  5. Maintain Warm Temperatures: Keep your home heated consistently, even when you’re not there, to protect pipes.
  6. Insulate Key Areas: Ensure attics and crawl spaces are well insulated to maintain warmer temperatures in areas near pipes.
  7. Outdoor Hoses: Disconnect, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Shut off and drain supply lines to outdoor faucets.
  8. Use Heat Tape: For especially vulnerable pipes, consider installing heat tape or cables with thermostat control, following the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.

Mainstream is here to help with both thawing frozen pipes and implementing measures to prevent freezing. Contact us now for professional assistance to safeguard your home’s plumbing against winter’s chill.

At Mainstream, we understand the urgency of burst pipe emergencies. We offer 24/7 service with no extra fees for nights and weekends, ensuring a rapid response to minimize damage and restore your plumbing system as quickly as possible.

Yes, Mainstream provides 24/7 emergency repair services for burst pipes. Our skilled technicians are always on standby to address your plumbing emergencies, ensuring your home is protected at all times. Contact us anytime at (509) 237-6483 for immediate assistance.

Frozen Pipe Repair Near Me

Spokane’s Trusted Frozen Pipe Repair & Prevention Experts

When the temperatures plummet in Spokane and Northern Idaho, frozen pipes are one of the most common—and costly—winter plumbing emergencies. A single frozen pipe can burst under pressure, unleashing gallons of water into your home in a matter of minutes. At Mainstream, we’ve been helping local families stay protected from winter pipe damage since 2000, offering fast response times, expert service, and prevention strategies that actually work.

We’re not just your plumbers—we’re your neighbors. That means we treat your home with the same care we’d want for our own, no matter the weather.

Why Do Pipes Freeze in Spokane Homes?

Frozen pipes typically occur when temperatures fall below 20°F, especially in uninsulated areas like basements, crawlspaces, attics, and garages. Water inside the pipes can freeze and expand, placing immense pressure on the pipe walls. Over time—or sometimes all at once—this can lead to a cracked or burst pipe, flooding, water damage, and expensive repairs.

We’ve seen it all, from frozen outdoor hose bibs to ruptured water lines in century-old homes. Whether your plumbing system is modern or historic, our licensed professionals know how to pinpoint frozen sections, safely thaw your pipes, and recommend solutions that prevent future issues.

Our Frozen Pipe Services Include:

  • Emergency Pipe Thawing
    Available 24/7, our emergency plumbing services are here when you need them most. We respond quickly to restore water flow and stop damage in its tracks.

  • Frozen Pipe Repair
    If your pipes have already cracked or burst, we’ll replace damaged sections and inspect the surrounding plumbing to ensure the rest of your system is secure.

  • Insulation & Winterization
    Prevention is key. Our team offers customized winterization strategies—including pipe insulation, heat tape installation, and crawlspace assessments—to protect your plumbing before the next freeze hits.

  • Whole-Home Plumbing Inspections
    Not sure if your pipes are vulnerable? A full plumbing inspection gives you peace of mind. We assess insulation, locate high-risk areas, and make proactive recommendations for keeping your home safe year-round.

24-Hour Emergency Plumbing You Can Count On

Frozen pipes don’t wait for regular business hours—and neither do we. Mainstream offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout Spokane and Northern Idaho. Whether it’s 2 a.m. on a weekday or the middle of a holiday weekend, we’ll answer your call with compassion, urgency, and a fully equipped team ready to help.

Stay Ahead of Freeze Season with the Mainstream Home Maintenance Care Club

Most frozen pipe disasters can be avoided with regular maintenance and a little foresight. That’s why we offer our Home Maintenance Care Club, a membership designed to keep your plumbing (and the rest of your home’s essential systems) in peak condition year-round.

As a Care Club member, you’ll receive:

  • Annual plumbing system checkups

  • Early identification of freeze-prone areas

  • Priority scheduling during peak seasons

  • Exclusive discounts on services and repairs

  • Peace of mind knowing your home is protected

From pre-winter prep to last-minute emergencies, our Care Club makes frozen pipe prevention easy and affordable.

Related Plumbing Services

Frozen pipes are often just one piece of a larger plumbing puzzle. At Mainstream, we offer a full range of residential plumbing services to help your entire system run smoothly, including:

Whether it’s frozen pipes in winter or low water pressure in spring, we’re the team Spokane homeowners trust for honest, high-quality plumbing work year-round.

We Are Spokane. We Are Mainstream.

Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has proudly served Spokane County and Northern Idaho since 2000, and we’ve built our reputation one home at a time. When you call us for frozen pipe help, you’re not just getting expert service—you’re getting a partner who genuinely cares about your comfort, your safety, and your home.

Let us help you stay ahead of the freeze. Contact Mainstream today to schedule frozen pipe prevention, repair, or a seasonal plumbing checkup. We’ll be there—24/7, just like we’ve always been.

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