No Water in Winter? Frozen Well Lines & What to Do

1. Frozen or Failed? How to Tell

What you notice	Likely cause	What to do
No water after a very cold night; gauge reads normal or high	Pipe frozen between tank and house	Find the frozen section; thaw gently
No water; gauge near 0; pump silent; breaker is ON	Frozen pressure switch tube (switch can't "see" the low pressure)	Warm the area under the switch; don't open the cover
Pump runs constantly; gauge near 0	Line frozen or broken between well and tank, or pump failure	Turn pump breaker OFF and call
Breaker trips when the pump tries to start	Electrical fault in pump, wire or switch	Leave breaker OFF and call
No water and it isn't especially cold	Probably not a freeze	See 5 common causes

2. Where to Look First

Water freezes in the coldest spot with the least heat, so start where your system meets cold air:

1. The pressure switch and its small feed tube. It's a narrow pipe with little water in it, so it often freezes first. Frost on the tube or switch is a giveaway.
2. Pipes around the pressure tank, especially along an outside wall, in a garage, a crawlspace or a pump house.
3. Where the line enters the house, often near a basement rim joist or slab edge.
4. The pump house, if you have one: check whether the heater tripped or a door blew open.

3. How to Thaw a Frozen Well Line Safely

1. Turn off the pump breaker if the pump is running with no water delivered.
2. Open the faucet closest to the frozen section so water can move as it melts.
3. Warm the pipe gently, starting from the faucet side and working back toward the frozen spot. Use a hair dryer, warm towels, or a space heater placed safely away from anything that can burn.
4. For a frozen pressure switch, warm the small tube under the switch from the outside. Don't open the cover; the terminals carry 240 volts.
5. Turn the pump back on once you see water or the gauge responds, and watch for leaks.

4. When to Stop and Call a Pro

• The pump runs but no water comes (risk of burning out the motor)
• The breaker trips when the pump starts
• You can't find the frozen section, or it's underground or inside a wall
• You see a split pipe, a bulging fitting or water spraying once it thaws
• The pressure tank or a jet pump body itself froze. Ice can crack housings
• Water comes back but pressure stays low, or the pump short-cycles afterward

Our trucks carry the tools to find the problem quickly, including underground wire locating, and trenchless equipment if a damaged line needs replacing under a driveway or lawn. We stock pumps and pressure tanks, so many repairs are finished on the first visit. In Burlington County? See our Burlington County well and pump services.

5. After the Thaw: Check for Damage

• Watch for leaks for 24 hours. A crack can release over 250 gallons a day (State Farm). Check the floor around the tank, the crawlspace and the pump house.
• Watch the pressure gauge. The pump should cycle normally between cut-in and cut-out. If it cycles every few seconds, the tank may have been damaged. See how to check your tank pressure.
• Test your water after repairs. If pipes were opened or replaced, the National Environmental Health Association recommends testing at a certified lab.
• Fix the cause. If it froze once, it will freeze again. Use our South Jersey well winterizing checklist.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my well line is frozen?

No water after a hard freeze, frost on pipes near the tank or pressure switch, and a pump that won't start or runs without building pressure are the usual signs. If it isn't especially cold, the cause is more likely a pump, switch or electrical problem.

Can a frozen pipe damage my well pump?

Yes. If the line between the well and the tank is frozen, the pump may run without moving water, which can overheat and damage the motor. Turn off the pump breaker and call.

How long does it take a frozen well pipe to thaw?

An exposed pipe near the tank often thaws within an hour with gentle heat. Underground or enclosed sections can take much longer and usually need a professional.

Is it safe to use a torch to thaw a frozen pipe?

No. Open flames can start fires, melt plastic pipe and fittings, and overheat pipes until they burst. Use a hair dryer or a safely placed space heater.

Do you offer emergency well service on weekends?

Yes. Robbins Water Service provides emergency well and pump service on Saturdays and Sundays across South Jersey. Call 609-268-2040.