March is a funny month. That whole ‘come in like a lion, go out like a lamb’ thing got started because this month is known for having dramatic, changeable weather. Spring starts in March, but as any New Yorker knows, that’s no guarantee that there won’t be plenty of snow and cold temperatures.
If you’ve been worried about your pipes freezing, March’s arrival may make you think you’re off the hook. After all, pipes can’t freeze in the springtime, can they?
As a New York plumber, we’ve got to tell you the truth on this one. Pipes absolutely can freeze in the spring time. The water in your pipes doesn’t know what the calendar says. It’s bound by the laws of physics. When the temperature drops to 32 degrees F, water freezes. If you have pipes that are vulnerable – this includes pipes located in exterior walls, uninsulated spaces, in basements or crawl spaces, and outdoors – the water inside can freeze.
One nice thing about the variable nature of spring time weather is that temperatures that have plummeted suddenly can rise just as fast. This means that if your pipes have frozen, they may not have frozen completely; with prolonged exposure to warm temperatures, thawing can happen. However, if there’s more cold weather coming, or you’re concerned that your pipes may burst, you want to call in your New York plumber right away. They can thaw your pipes safely and address any leaks that have formed as a result of your pipes freezing.
If you’re not sure if your pipes have frozen, try turning on a faucet. If no water comes out, or only a tiny trickle, this is a sign your pipes may have frozen. Drain pipes can freeze as well, although this happens less frequently. If your sink, tub, or washing machine is slow to drain, or won’t drain at all, call your New York plumber. After they’ve investigated the situation, they will be able to tell you if your pipes have frozen or if you need drain cleaning.
