Avoiding Frozen Pipes

Winters in New York City can be long and harsh. The cold temperatures can be particularly cruel to your home’s plumbing fixtures. The potential for frozen pipes is a real danger during a cold NYC winter.

Frozen pipes can cause much damage which can be incredibly costly to repair. When dealing with a frozen pipe, contact a plumber Manhattan immediately. Only a professional plumber has the skills to fix pipes and remove water damage.

Luckily, there are things that homeowners can do to prevent pipes from freezing. If you will be away from home for an extended period, turn off the main valve to the home’s water supply and drain your faucets. Then turn down the furnace. It should never be turned off completely but lowering the thermostat to 45-50 degrees when you are away will save you energy and money.

If you have any outdoor hoses, disconnect them before winter. Additionally, cover any outdoor faucets with an insulating material. Wrap the material with a moisture barrier to prevent water damage.

Before winter hits, inspect your home entirely. Check the basement and foundation for any cracks or holes. Seal any crevices with caulk to keep cold wind away from the home’s pipes.

One more thing homeowners can do to prevent frozen pipes is to keep cabinets under sinks with pipes slightly open when away.