Plumbers warn homeowners about toilets, pipes freezing in cold temperatures and what not to do if it happens

The intense cold front and powerful winter storms sweeping across the country are affecting areas not typically accustomed to such frigid temperatures, including Houston.In these arctic conditions, freezing pipes are always a concern—especially in what’s arguably the most important room in the house: the bathroom.Here’s what you need to know about frozen toilets and pipes, plus tips on thawing them out enough to get things flowing again.In a word, yes.“The water in the toilet and the tank can freeze in extremely cold weather, especially if the toilet is in an unheated space like a cabin or garage,” says Robert Mazzacone, owner of Mazzacone Plumbing and Heating in Westchester, NY.“Any time there is water, it has the potential to freeze.”So what temperature would a toilet freeze at?“Water freezes at 32°F, but pipes often need a longer period of cold temperatures below that before freezing becomes a significant risk,” Mazzacone says.

“I would estimate around 20°F or lower.”This risk increases if the pipes connected to the toilet are exposed to cold air, such as in crawl spaces, exterior walls, or poorly insulated sections of the home, according to Jordan Fleming from That HVAC Guy and Plumbing in Philadelphia, PA.“Frozen water can cause the toilet to crack, while freezing in the pipes connected to the toilet can lead to blocked water flow and, in severe cases, even cause the pipe to burst due to the expansion of ice,” says Fleming.“This is a costly problem for home owners due to pipe repairs and water damage restoration.”Once a toilet or pipes are frozen, don’t try to flush.“If the water in the tank or bowl is frozen, the flushing mechanism won’t function properly,” says Fleming.Attempting to force a flush can damage internal components and pipes, causing even further damage—so you’re better off not using the toilet altogether.There are a variety of things you can do to help prevent pipes and toilets from freezi...