What should I do if my pipes freeze? When the temperatures plummet and frost envelops everything in sight, it raises a critical concern for homeowners: the risk of frozen pipes lurking within the confines of walls or beneath floors. This predicament not only threatens to disrupt the flow of water but also poses the potential for catastrophic damage should the pipes rupture. In such an unsettling scenario, what preliminary steps should one undertake to mitigate the situation effectively? Should immediate action focus on gradual thawing, or is prevention the more prudent course? Additionally, how can one ascertain the extent of the freeze without exacerbating potential issues? While considering the myriad of options available, are there specific tools or techniques that can expedite the thawing process? Furthermore, should one engage the services of a professional plumber, or is self-remediation a viable path? These are pressing inquiries that demand careful consideration in the face of such an unsettling event.