“We had a situation in one of our properties where the heat went out overnight,” Brian said. “Now there are tenants reporting leaks in 3 units – two in the kitchens, one in the bath. Is this related? What do I need to do about it?”
How Long Does it Take Pipes to Freeze
Pipes can freeze any time they’re exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees F. In instances where pipes are located in poorly insulated exterior walls, they can get very cold – but the heat from the home’s interior helps keep the pipes from freezing. When the heat isn’t functioning, the likelihood of pipes freezing goes up.
It’s very possible that the cold night is related to the leaks your tenants are currently reporting. It’s essential to address leaks quickly, because dripping water does damage to your property. It’s also an unnecessary increase in the water bill.
As a local plumber in Manhattan, we know many times property owners repair small leaks themselves with things like pipe tape. While that’s a quick fix, it’s not necessarily the one you want to make to remedy recently frozen pipes. The current leak represents only one of the many weakened points in the pipe created during the freeze. Other weakened points will eventually fail – especially if for whatever reason, the pipes freeze again.
For a permanent fix, have your local plumber replace the leaking pipes. When this work is performed by a licensed master plumber, it ensures all work is done according to DOB code. This is really important, because lack of heat and water are the top cause of DOB complaints and violations. When inspectors come, you want them to see everything in your property is done how it should be. That’s the way to avoid hundreds and hundreds of dollars in fines.
