How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in New York (and What to Do If They Burst)
By Fletcher Plumbing NY · Updated 2026-09-15
Every January our phones light up with burst pipe calls from Buffalo to Long Island. Most of them were preventable.
Prevention checklist
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, attics and garages.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots from inside.
- Seal drafts near pipes with foam or caulk.
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when away.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
- Let a trickle of water run from the faucet farthest from the main on extreme nights.
If a pipe freezes
Keep the faucet open, then warm the pipe gradually with a hair dryer or warm towels starting nearest the faucet. Never use an open flame. If you cannot find the frozen section or the pipe is inside a wall, call for frozen pipe repair.
If a pipe bursts
Shut off the main water valve immediately, open faucets to relieve pressure, cut power to wet areas and call our 24/7 emergency plumbers. We respond across New York day and night.
Need a plumber now?
Fletcher Plumbing NY serves every city in New York 24/7. Call (888) 809-6756 or find your local plumber.