A burst pipe can dump hundreds of gallons into your home in an hour. Most freezes are preventable — here's the checklist we give our own customers.
Older Hudson Valley homes are especially vulnerable — galvanized lines, uninsulated crawlspaces, and pipes run along exterior walls are all common here. The good news: a freeze is almost always preventable with a little prep.
Before the cold hits
Seal and insulate
- Insulate pipes in unheated spaces — basements, crawlspaces, attics, and the garage.
- Seal air leaks near pipes: rim joists, foundation cracks, and where lines enter the house.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off / drain outdoor spigots.
- Know where your main shutoff is — and make sure everyone in the house does too.
When temperatures drop below 20°F
Keep water moving and warm
- Let a pencil-thin stream of water trickle from faucets on exterior walls.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches the pipes.
- Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night — don't set back during a deep freeze.
- Leaving town? Never set the heat below 55°F, and consider a smart leak sensor.
If a pipe already froze
Shut off the main, open the nearest faucet, and warm the frozen section gently with a hair dryer or space heater — never an open flame. If you can't find it, or a pipe has already burst, shut the water off and call us. We run emergency routes across the valley around the clock.