How To Prevent Pipes From Freezing in New Jersey

Your plumbing may be at risk when temperatures drop below freezing during the New Jersey winters.

Extreme cold can lead to frozen pipes bursting due to expanding water and intense strain, which can cause catastrophic damage to your home. Preparing for winter is important to protect your home and plumbing system.

Len The Plumber Heating & Air offers tips and tricks for preventing frozen pipes and guidance on what to do if your pipes suddenly burst.

What To Do When Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

If the weather report shows a sudden temperature drop, it’s important to prepare your plumbing. These simple steps can help you reduce your risk of frozen pipes:

• Drip faucets: Water is more likely to freeze when it’s still. Keeping a steady drip from your faucets can help reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes.
• Open under-sink cabinets: Plumbing under sinks, especially on exterior walls, may not get any heat, even if your house is warm. Open cabinet doors to increase circulation and allow this heat to keep your pipes from freezing.
• Close garage doors: Keeping your garage door open allows the cold to enter and potentially freeze pipes that run through the space. By closing the door, you can trap warmer air inside and reduce your chance of exposing pipes to freezing temperatures.
• Turn off your water if you’re going out of town: If you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, it’s best to turn off your main water line in case temperatures drop.

Long-Term Solutions To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Preventing frozen pipes shouldn’t just be a last-minute project. Homeowners can add protection by implementing long-term solutions that give you the ultimate peace of mind.

Winterize your plumbing system with these steps:

• Keep your heat above 55° F: While it may be tempting to turn off your heat at night or when you leave your home to save on heating bills, these drastic temperature drops leave your plumbing at risk. Instead, keep your heat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times to avoid frozen pipes.
• Insulate your pipes: Especially in unheated spaces like crawl spaces, unfinished basements, garages, or attics, homeowners can use heat tape or foam insulation to insulate their pipes for added warmth.
• Winterize your hose bibbs in the fall: Prepare for winter by winterizing your outdoor faucets, including removing and storing hoses.

How To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If your pipes do freeze, follow these simple steps to thaw them safely:

• Locate the frozen section
• Open faucets to drain any water
• Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, space heater, or heating pad
• Monitor for leaks and continue warming until water flow resumes
• Call Len The Plumber Heating & Air if you suspect a pipe leak

You should never use an open flame to thaw a pipe.

What To Do if a Pipe Bursts

When water freezes and expands, your pipes can suddenly burst. If this happens, call our team for 24/7 emergency plumbing repair. We offer same-day services to reduce the spread of damage in your home. Before our team arrives:

• Shut off your water supply
• Turn off electricity if the water is near any outlets or appliances
• Open all faucets and flush all toilets
• Use towels to dry the area as best as possible

Call Len The Plumber Heating & Air

If your pipes have been damaged after freezing, trust Len The Plumber Heating & Air for expert pipe repairs. Our local technicians are experts in the field and always provide a high-quality experience.

We drive fully stocked trucks, so your service is always done efficiently. For respectful customer service backed by over 25 years of experience in the industry, trust the best of the best. We serve Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Mercer counties.

Request burst pipe repair or replacement in New Jersey by calling Len The Plumber Heating & Air today.