What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze | Annapolis Property Services

Even if you’ve taken every precaution, extreme cold can still catch you off guard. The good news? Frozen pipes don’t always mean disaster — and quick action can help prevent major damage.

Here’s what to do if your pipes freeze this winter.

🧊 Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

🚰 1. Check Your Faucets

If little or no water comes out when you turn on a tap, you may have a frozen pipe.
Leave the faucet open. As the pipe warms, water and steam need somewhere to go — this helps relieve pressure and prevents bursting.

🔦 2. Identify the Frozen Section

Look for pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, or along exterior walls. If you notice frost buildup or unusually cold spots, that’s likely where the freeze occurred.

🔥 3. Apply Gentle Heat

If safe, you can use a hair dryer or portable space heater to slowly thaw the frozen section.
Start closest to the faucet and move toward the colder end. Never use an open flame or blowtorch.

🧭 4. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is

If a pipe bursts, the first step is to turn off your home’s main water supply. This prevents further flooding or damage.
Every renter and homeowner should know where this valve is located — it’s usually near the water meter or where the main line enters the home.

🧰 5. Contact Annapolis Property Services

If you’re an APS tenant and your pipes are frozen or have burst, submit a maintenance request immediately through your resident portal or call (410) 570 5929.
Our maintenance team will walk you through the next steps and coordinate professional repairs right away.

💡 APS Pro Tip

If you experience frozen pipes, act fast but stay safe. Never use direct flames, and don’t try to force water through frozen lines. Quick reporting helps our team prevent more serious damage.

🏠 Peace of Mind in Every Season

At Annapolis Property Service

📞 Need urgent help?

Call our emergency line (410) 878-6539 – leave a message (Monitored 24-hours) or submit a maintenance request through your tenant portal. We’re here to help you protect your home year-round. From maintenance support to emergency response, you can count on us to keep things running smoothly — even in freezing weather.