What should you do if a pipe freezes?

Keeping the faucet open matters two ways: flowing water speeds thawing, and it gives melting ice somewhere to go instead of building pressure. Always thaw from the open faucet toward the blockage so melt water can escape.

If a pipe has already split, water damage is the priority. Shut off the main, cut power to any wet area if safe, document the damage for your claim, and get professional extraction started - trapped moisture behind walls is what turns a burst pipe into a mold problem.