Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter emergencies in Queens — and one of the most preventable. When water freezes it expands until the pipe splits, often flooding a home while the family is away. Here's how to protect yourself.
Why Pipes Burst in Winter
Pipes running through exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces, and unheated areas are most at risk. Older cast-iron and galvanized lines common in Queens homes are especially vulnerable. A burst can release hundreds of gallons before anyone notices.
Prevention Steps
- Keep the heat on. Never let your home drop below about 55°F, even when you're away.
- Let faucets drip during a hard freeze. Moving water is much less likely to freeze.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches the pipes.
- Insulate exposed pipes in the basement, attic, and crawl spaces with foam sleeves.
- Seal drafts near pipes in exterior walls.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets before winter.
- Know where your main shut-off valve is so you can act fast if a pipe does burst.
If a Pipe Freezes
If a faucet only trickles, a pipe may be frozen. Keep the faucet open, and gently warm the pipe with a hair dryer or towels soaked in warm water — never an open flame. If you can't reach it or it has already burst, shut off the main valve and call for help.
If a Pipe Bursts
Shut off your main water valve immediately, cut power to affected areas if safe, move valuables, and call a 24/7 restoration company to extract the water and dry the structure before mold sets in.
Dealing with water damage in Queens right now? Our IICRC-certified crews are available 24/7, usually on-site within the hour.
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