In New York City, the first deep freeze can arrive as early as December—and when it does, unprotected plumbing is at serious risk. At Boris Mechanical, we handle countless emergency calls every winter from residents dealing with burst pipes, water damage, and heating interruptions that could have been avoided with a little planning.
Here’s our expert frozen pipe prevention guide for NYC homeowners, property managers, and landlords. If you live in a brownstone, apartment, or multifamily unit, these tips are for you.
Why Frozen Pipes Are So Dangerous
When water freezes, it expands—putting immense pressure on your plumbing system. Pipes that freeze can crack or burst, flooding your home and causing thousands of dollars in damage. Worse, the leak often isn’t discovered until the ice thaws.
High-Risk Areas in NYC Homes
- Basements and boiler rooms with poor insulation
- Pipes along exterior walls, especially in older brownstones
- Unheated crawlspaces or storage rooms
- Vacant or seasonal apartments with infrequent water use
- Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation lines
Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips
✅ 1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Use foam pipe insulation or fiberglass wrap for pipes in cold or drafty spaces. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to prevent freezing.
✅ 2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Water trapped in garden hoses or bibs can back up and freeze. Shut off exterior valves and drain any remaining water.
✅ 3. Keep Heat Circulating
Even if you’re away for the holidays, keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach pipes.
✅ 4. Seal Gaps Around Pipes
Use caulk or spray foam to close gaps where pipes enter walls or floors—this keeps cold drafts out and warm air in.
✅ 5. Let Faucets Drip in Extreme Cold
A slow trickle of water can relieve pressure in the pipes and prevent freezing, especially overnight during cold snaps.
Already Have a Frozen Pipe?
Turn off your main water supply immediately and call Boris Mechanical. Do not use open flames to thaw pipes—that’s a fire hazard. We use safe, professional methods to restore flow and assess for damage.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Frozen pipes can happen fast, especially in NYC’s older buildings. Schedule a winter plumbing inspection with Boris Mechanical now—we’ll check insulation, locate vulnerable areas, and get your system winter-ready.
Stay safe and warm this winter.
Call Boris Mechanical today at (212) 260-2006 or request service online to protect your pipes before the next deep freeze.
