To locate an area of frozen water piping, what should you do first?

Opening all faucets is the correct initial action when attempting to locate an area of frozen water piping. By doing so, you relieve pressure in the system and allow any thawed water to escape, which helps to identify the location of the freeze. As water thaws, it may flow from the open faucets, indicating where the blockage is occurring.

This method also helps to minimize potential damage when the ice does start to melt, as pressure build-up can lead to bursting pipes. In essence, opening all faucets equates to a safety measure that enables you to monitor the system while addressing the frozen section effectively.

Your answer prioritizes creating conditions that best facilitate the identification of frozen areas, while some other options would not assist in locating the blockage. For example, closing faucets or the water supply valve can increase pressure and complicate the situation rather than providing clarity on where the freezing has occurred.