How to Fix a Frozen Sink Shut-Off Valve and Get It Moving

Thaw a valve and get a smooth flow back

Woman washing her hands in the kitchen sink
Photo: halbergman / E+ / Getty Images
Woman washing her hands in the kitchen sink
Photo: halbergman / E+ / Getty Images
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
2 hours
COST
Up to $25
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon
What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Hair dryer
  • Wrench
  • Gloves (optional)
  • Cloth (optional)
  • Pot
SUPPLIES
  • Penetrating oil

A big freeze can damage your pipes, including the water valves. However, with a little knowledge of how to fix a frozen sink shut-off valve, you can get the water flowing again. Keep reading for simple steps to fight the cold and get your sink back in working order.

How to Fix a Frozen Sink Shut-Off Valve

Gather your tools and warm up your patience. Be sure to treat valves and pipes carefully, as plumbing can easily damage if you muscle your way through. If you can’t resolve the issue, contact a plumbing repair pro who can take a closer look.

Homeowner Tip

I wanted to fix a leaky kitchen faucet, but the shut-off valves were frozen and corroded. While this wasn't an emergency, I wanted it fixed before it became one. My pro assessed the problem and quickly installed three new quarter-turn shut-off valves in about 30 minutes.

San Antonio, TX
  1. Locate and Shut Off the Main Water Valve

    Shutting off main water valve in the basement
    Photo: grigvovan / Adobe Stock

    Locate the main water valve and turn it off before tackling a frozen sink shut-off valve. Don’t skip this step, as pipes can burst or leak while you’re trying to work, which can turn a fairly simple fix into a bigger problem.

  2. Gently Turn the Sink Water Valve

    Once the water is off, gently try to turn the sink shut-off valve in both directions. Start by twisting it a little clockwise and then counterclockwise. If you have difficulty getting a good grip, use a cloth or gloves to help. 

    Repeat this process, and the valve may loosen and become easier to turn. If that’s the case, keep working the valve until it can freely open and close. However, don't force it if it doesn’t get easier to move.

  3. Loosen the Packing Nut (Optional)

    Plumber using wrench to loosen water valve
    Photo: vladdeep / Adobe Stock

    Sometimes loosening the packing nut (located below the valve’s knob or handle) can loosen the valve. It’s worth trying to loosen this nut when dealing with a frozen valve, even though this is more likely to work if it’s stuck due to mineral deposits. 

  4. Apply Heat

    A frozen valve may need to be thawed. Heat can also help if extra gunk or minerals are locking up the valve. Use a hair dryer to blow hot air directly on the valve for five to ten minutes. Then, gently twist the valve clockwise and counterclockwise to check it. 

    You might need to wear gloves if the valve has gotten hot. You can apply the hair dryer several times and check the valve for movement every 10 minutes.

  5. Pour Boiling Water Over the Valve

    steam coming out of a kettle on top of a stove
    Photo: Маргарита Щипкова / Adobe Stock

    If a hair dryer doesn’t get things moving, try pouring boiling water over the valve. However, only use boiling water on metal or ceramic pipes, as plastic pipes can get damaged.

    First, place a bucket underneath the valve to catch the dripping water. You can also dip a cloth into the hot water and hold the cloth to the valve to reduce the risk of making a mess.

  6. Tap the Valve With a Hammer

    After applying heat and using your hand to test the valve, you might need to gently tap the valve with a hammer. Simultaneously, try turning the valve to see if it’s thawed and loosened. To prevent future freezes, keep an eye on the temperatures at which pipes freeze and use precautions to keep water flowing and pipes warm.

  7. Apply Penetrating Oil (Optional)

    Closeup of a can of penetrating oil
    Photo: galileo120 / Adobe Stock

    Penetrating oil can loosen and lubricate the valve as it seeps between seams. If the main problem is a frozen valve, you might not need penetrating oil, but it’s worth trying if the previous steps haven’t worked.  

    Apply the penetrating oil and let it sit on the valve for 30 to 60 minutes or the time recommended by the manufacturer. Give the valve a tap with the hammer to check for movement. You can also apply the hair dryer again at this point.

  8. Open the Main Water Valve

    If the valve closes and opens, you can turn on the main water valve and try turning on the water to the sink. Have a towel ready in case there’s a leak. Once you get the valve moving, consider how to keep pipes from freezing in the future.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

The above steps are doable even if you’re new to DIYing. However, if you’ve done the above and the valve still won’t budge, it’s time to call a local plumbing repair service. You can easily damage the plumbing if you get too heavy-handed while fixing a sink shut-off valve. So give it your best shot, but call a pro if you can’t loosen the valve despite your best efforts.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Water pipes will unfreeze once temperatures stay above freezing long enough to thaw. As things warm up, you might hear gurgling and banging sounds from the pipes. It can take a while for the pipes to unfreeze, and they won’t without help if temperatures stay below freezing. Open cupboard doors, turn up the heat, and get out hair dryers, heat guns, space heaters, and heat lamps to speed up the thawing process. If you live where it’s frequently below freezing, consider whether pipe insulation is worth installing.

Pipes tend to burst once frozen for 24 to 72 hours. It takes temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for several days to freeze and burst pipes, rather than a day or two with temperatures hovering around freezing. When temperatures are dropping, it’s time to drip faucets and open cupboard doors that house pipes to circulate heated air.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to plumbing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
propane tank between two bushes along side of house
Apr 16, 2025
Apr 16, 2025
The average propane tank costs between $600 and $2,500, depending on the size, location, and more. Our expert guide explores all the factors.
A woman relaxing in the bathtub
Apr 22, 2025
Apr 22, 2025
Why is your bathtub not draining? A clog is the most common cause, but a damaged pipe and other issues could be to blame. Here’s what to do.
Plumbers fixing water pipes in a bathroom sink
Apr 24, 2025
Apr 24, 2025
Are you stumped over the various types of pipes available? Learn all the different plumbing pipe types to choose from in this handy guide.
Close up of stainless steel sink plug hole
Apr 24, 2025
Apr 24, 2025
Yellow sink water looks gross but is actually quite normal and safe. Learn why your sink water is yellow and how to get it running clear again.
Woman washes dishes under running water at kitchen sink
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
From foam to fiberglass, the best pipe insulation to prevent freezing depends on, well, the pipes. This guide will help you choose.
 A woman trying running water from the shower
Apr 22, 2025
Apr 22, 2025
Fluctuating shower temperatures can indicate a problem with your shower. Learn why your shower water is cold, but your sink water is hot, and how to fix it.