How to Prevent Frozen Pipes on Long Island This Winter

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to keep pipes warm and water moving: keep the heat at 55°F or higher, insulate pipes in unheated spaces, and let faucets on outside walls drip on the coldest nights. Most frozen pipes we see on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley happen in garages, crawl spaces, basements and exterior walls.

Why pipes burst

When water freezes it expands. That builds pressure between the ice and the closed faucet, and the pipe splits, often somewhere other than where the ice formed. Many people don't notice until the pipe thaws and water starts pouring out, which is why so many burst pipes are found the morning after a cold snap.

Before winter: a 10-minute checklist

1. Shut off and drain outdoor spigots. Close the inside shutoff valve for each hose bib, open the outside faucet to drain it, and disconnect garden hoses.
2. Insulate exposed pipes. Foam pipe sleeves from any hardware store work well on pipes in garages, crawl spaces, attics and unfinished basements.
3. Seal drafts near pipes. Gaps around sill plates, dryer vents and pipe openings let freezing air reach plumbing.
4. Find your main water shutoff. Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is and that it turns.
5. Service the heating system. A furnace or boiler that fails in January is the most common reason a whole house freezes.

During a cold snap

• Keep the heat at 55°F or higher, day and night, even if you are away.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes.
• Let faucets drip on exterior walls, hot and cold.
• Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through the garage.

If you will be away

Keep the heat on, ask someone to check the house every day or two, and consider an inexpensive water leak sensor or smart shutoff valve. For long trips, shutting off the main valve and draining the lines is the safest option.

If a pipe freezes

If a faucet only trickles, a pipe is probably frozen. Keep the faucet open and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or space heater, starting near the faucet. Never use an open flame. If you can't reach the frozen spot, or a pipe has split, shut off the main water valve before it thaws.

If a pipe bursts

1. Shut off the main water valve.
2. Turn off power to wet areas if you can reach the breaker safely.
3. Move valuables out of the water and take photos for insurance.
4. Call for professional extraction and drying.

Wet drywall, insulation and subfloors need commercial drying and moisture readings, not just fans. Read our burst pipe cleanup guide for what that involves.

Frozen or burst pipe? We answer 24/7

Aqua-Pro Restoration handles burst pipe cleanup, water extraction and structural drying across Long Island, NYC and the Hudson Valley. Call (855) 229-9998, day or night.

At what temperature do pipes freeze?

Pipes in unheated or exterior spaces are at risk once outdoor temperatures stay around 20°F or below for several hours, especially with wind. Pipes inside heated living space rarely freeze unless the heat goes off.

Should I let my faucets drip in cold weather?

Yes, on very cold nights let faucets on exterior walls drip slowly, both hot and cold. Moving water is harder to freeze and a drip relieves pressure if ice does form.

What do I do if a frozen pipe bursts?

Shut off the main water valve right away, turn off power to wet areas if it is safe to reach the breaker, move valuables out of the water and call for water extraction and drying. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours.