Northwest Indiana winters routinely drop below zero. Pipes in exterior walls, garages, and crawl spaces are vulnerable. Downing Plumbing thaws frozen pipes and repairs the ones that have already split — throughout Lake, Porter, and LaPorte County.
FROZEN PIPE REPAIR
If you turn on a faucet during or after a cold snap and get nothing — or a trickle — a pipe has frozen somewhere between the water main and that fixture. Frozen pipes must be thawed carefully. Using an open flame torch on a frozen pipe inside a wall is a fire hazard; electric heat tape or a heat gun are safer approaches. But there's another risk: the pipe may have already split from the ice expansion, meaning you're about to have a flood the moment it thaws. Calling a plumber before attempting to thaw a frozen pipe is always the safer choice.
Northwest Indiana's coldest winter periods — typically January and February, but sometimes early December and late March — drive air temperatures below 0°F regularly. Pipes most at risk include those running through exterior walls (particularly north and west-facing walls), pipes in unheated garages, pipes in crawl spaces with inadequate insulation, and pipes near exterior doors where drafts can push cold air in.
Downing Plumbing locates the frozen section, safely thaws the pipe, and inspects it for splits or cracks before restoring water. If the pipe has burst, we repair it in the same visit. We also advise on pipe insulation or rerouting to prevent the same section from freezing again next winter.
WHAT WE DO
Thawing, repair, and prevention — everything you need when pipes freeze in winter.
Downing Plumbing safely thaws and repairs frozen pipes throughout Northwest Indiana — call now before the pipe splits.
HOW IT WORKS
Safe, methodical thawing — with burst pipe repair ready if needed.
We trace the supply line between the main and the affected fixture, identifying the section most likely exposed to freezing temperatures based on wall location and insulation.
We check accessible pipe sections for visible cracks or deformation before applying heat — a split pipe needs repair before the ice thaws to prevent flooding.
We use electric heat or hot water application to safely thaw the frozen section from the faucet end backward — the correct direction to prevent steam pressure buildup.
We restore water, confirm full flow, and advise on insulation or pipe rerouting to prevent the same section from freezing again next winter.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
See what customers are saying about Downing Plumbing's professional plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer, and water heater services throughout Northwest Indiana.
"Exceptional service in an emergency situation! Incredible organization to deal with!!"
"Same day service. Knowledgeable craftsmen did excellent work. No complaints."
"The installation of my new water heater was done with courtesy and efficiency."
READY TO GET STARTED?
Whether you need drain cleaning, sewer repair, water heater service, sump pump repairs, or emergency plumbing help, Downing Plumbing is ready to help.
