With a major winter storm moving into Maryland and Virginia, well owners face a unique set of challenges. Unlike city water systems, well components like the pressure switch, well head, and pitless adapter are highly vulnerable to sub-zero temperatures.
If you wake up to a loss of pressure, knowing what to do for frozen pipes and no water in those first few hours can be the difference between a simple thaw and a catastrophic flood from a burst pipe.
URGENT: If you already have 0 PSI on your gauge, skip the tips and visit our Emergency Well & Pipe Thawing Service Page for priority storm dispatch.
The Winter Water Status Table
How to tell if you have a plumbing issue or a well emergency.
| Current Symptom | System Status | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil-thin water stream or dropping pressure | Lines are actively beginning to freeze. | Open faucets further; increase internal heat. |
| No hot water, but cold taps work | Water heater intake line is blocked by ice. | Keep cold lines running; check heater insulation. |
| 0 PSI / Well pump frozen no pressure | Main well line or pressure switch is frozen solid. | Shut off pump power; Request Emeregency Winter Service |
| Discolored or brown water after a freeze | Frost heave has disturbed lines or sediment. | Shut off main valve; Request Inspection. |
| Loud banging sounds in walls or well house | Ice blockages causing severe pressure surges. | Emergency Pump Shutoff Required. |
3 Essential Steps to Surving the Maryland Deep Freeze
1. Addressing the "No Hot Water" Trap
Many homeowners search for no hot water frozen pipes and assume they need a plumber. While this can be a plumbing issue, if you have no water at all, your water heater isn’t the problem—your well is. If you have cold water but the hot has stopped, ensure your water heater closet is properly insulated and not exposed to crawlspace drafts.
2. Why Your Well Pump "Freezes Up"
A frozen well pump rarely means the actual pump 100 feet underground is ice-bound. Usually, it’s the “brain” of the system: the pressure switch.
The Problem: The tiny 1/4 inch tube leading to the switch freezes solid.
The Result: The switch can’t detect pressure, so it never tells the pump to turn on.
The Fix: If you see well pump frozen no pressure on your gauge, the system needs professional thermal thawing to prevent the switch from shattering.
3. Fact vs. Myth: Can pipes freeze if there is no water in them?
A common question we hear is: “Can pipes freeze if there is no water in them?” While empty pipes won’t “burst” (ice expansion causes the break), moisture trapped in a “dry” pipe can still freeze into a plug. More importantly, if your well pump is off but the lines are full of stagnant water, they are at maximum risk. If you lose power, shut off your main valve. This protects your home from a massive pressure surge when the power returns and hits a frozen blockage.
Winter Water FAQ
What should I do if my pipes are frozen and there is no water?
First, turn off the power to your well pump to prevent the motor from burning out. Open your faucets to relieve pressure. Do not use an open flame to thaw lines; this is the #1 cause of winter house fires in Maryland. Call a specialist with professional thawing equipment.
How do I know if my well pump is frozen?
If your power is on and your breakers aren’t tripped, but your pressure gauge reads 0 PSI during a freeze, your well head or pressure switch is likely frozen.
Can I thaw a frozen well pump myself?
DIY thawing with space heaters or torches is extremely dangerous. Professional well technicians use controlled thermal tools to restore flow without risking a pipe explosion or a house fire.
When to Call the Specialists
If you have no water in your house due to frozen pipes, this is a property-threatening emergency. At National Water Service, we prioritize total water loss calls during Maryland storms.
Our “Warehouse on Wheels” trucks are equipped with specialized thawing technology that standard plumbers don’t carry. We don’t just restore your water; we inspect your system for frost heave damage and install professional heat-tape prevention.
Need Immediate Help?
Visit our Well Pump Frozen Emergency Page or call us at 301-854-1333 for priority dispatch.
