Quick Answer:

If an outdoor spigot is frozen and won’t open, don’t force it. Shut off the indoor valve if available, remove any attached hose, and warm the spigot gently with a hair dryer while checking the pipe inside for ice. If you see or suspect a burst pipe, or you can’t thaw it safely, call a plumber.

Why This Happens

When outdoor faucets and the short section of pipe leading to them are exposed to cold air, water inside can freeze and expand. That expansion can lock the valve, split copper or plastic pipe, or push joints apart. Even a frost-free design can fail if the interior shutoff is left open or if insulation is missing. Small amounts of standing water trapped in the spigot or just inside the wall are often the cause.

If the spigot later works intermittently as temperatures rise, see the article about spigot only works on warm days for prevention tips.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Stay calm and assess

• Turn off any water supply valves that feed the outdoor faucet if you can find them inside the house (basement, crawl space, or utility closet).
• Remove hoses and clear the area so you won’t slip on ice while working.

2. Open the spigot slightly (if it will move)

• If the handle will turn a little, open it a hair to give expanding ice some place to go. Do not force it hard — forcing can break the handle or the valve stem.

3. Warm spigot gently with hair dryer

• Use a standard hair dryer on low or medium heat and keep it moving across the spigot, the valve body, and the immediate wall area. Warm for several minutes, then try the handle again.
• Do not use high-heat setting too close to fittings; keep the dryer at a safe distance to avoid damage.

4. Check interior pipe for ice

• If you can access the pipe inside a basement or crawlspace, feel along it for cold spots. A hard, very cold section usually means ice inside the pipe.
• If the indoor section is frozen, warm that area with the hair dryer or a space heater placed at a safe distance (never leave a heater unattended).

5. Thaw slowly and watch for leaks

• Once the spigot begins to move and water flows, keep an eye on the wall and basement for new drips — thawing can reveal a crack or split.
• If water appears from seams or you smell fresh water inside, shut the indoor valve immediately and prepare to call a plumber.

6. Prevent future freezes

• Drain and shut off outdoor lines each fall, insulate exposed pipes, and use an insulated spigot cover.
• If you notice unusual smells the first time you run a thawed spigot, consult the guide about spigot smells like sulfur for next steps.

What Not to Do

• Do not use open flame to thaw pipes. Torches and lighters can damage plumbing, siding, and create a fire risk.
• Do not pour boiling water on frozen ground near a foundation — it can refreeze quickly and make ice hazards or damage soil and landscaping.
• Avoid striking the spigot or valve with tools; that can break fittings and make leaks worse.

When to Call a Professional

• If you see active leaks, bulging pipe, or water inside walls or ceilings after thawing.
• If you cannot find or access the interior shutoff valve, or the spigot won’t respond after warming.
• If you suspect a burst pipe — a licensed plumber can locate and repair hidden damage and advise on freeze-proofing.

Safety Notes

• Keep electrical tools like hair dryers dry and away from standing water. Never use them if you are standing in water.
• Use a ladder only on stable, non-icy ground. Wear slip-resistant footwear and warm gloves that still let you operate controls safely.
• When using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s distance and ventilation rules and never leave it unattended.

Common Homeowner Questions

• Can a frozen outdoor spigot burst a pipe?
  Yes. Ice expands and can crack or split the pipe or fittings, leading to leaks once thawed.
• Is a hair dryer safe to use?
  Yes, when used carefully and kept dry; it’s one of the safest ways to apply low, even heat to thaw a spigot.
• How do I prevent this next winter?
  Shut off and drain outdoor lines, insulate exposed pipes, and use faucet covers; consider moving the indoor shutoff if it’s hard to access.