Frozen pipes cause thousands of NYC water damage claims every winter. Unlike in truly cold climates where buildings are better insulated, many NYC apartments — especially pre-war buildings with exterior walls and uninsulated basement plumbing — are surprisingly vulnerable when temperatures drop below 20°F.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk in NYC?
- Pipes in exterior walls (common in pre-war NYC buildings)
- Basement pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas
- Pipes in kitchen/bathroom cabinets on exterior walls
- Hose bibs (exterior faucets) — should be winterized every fall
- Vacant apartment pipes — no heat, no one to catch early signs
- Uninsulated attic or crawl space pipes
Prevention Steps: Do These Before Cold Hits
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements and exterior wall cavities with foam pipe insulation (hardware stores, under $5/linear foot)
- Keep kitchen/bathroom cabinet doors open during extreme cold — lets warm air reach pipes in exterior-wall cabinets
- Never let indoor temperature drop below 55°F — even when away or on vacation
- Drip faucets slightly on pipes you're worried about — moving water resists freezing
- Know your main shutoff — when a pipe bursts, every second counts. Know exactly where to go.
- Drain hose bibs in fall — turn off the supply valve inside and open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water
If a Pipe Freezes (But Hasn't Burst Yet)
- Turn off the water supply to that section if possible
- Open the faucet served by the frozen pipe — pressure relief when thawing
- Apply gentle heat: hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels — never open flame
- Start nearest the faucet and work toward the frozen section
- Do NOT use high heat — rapid temperature change can crack pipes
If a Pipe Bursts
- Turn off the main water supply immediately
- Turn off electricity to the affected area if water is near outlets or panels
- Notify your building super (for co-ops/condos — they need to know)
- Call an emergency plumber
- Document everything with photos for insurance
- Begin water extraction immediately — mold starts within 24 hours
Our emergency plumbing team and water damage restoration crew respond 24/7 across NYC. Don't wait — burst pipe water damage compounds by the hour.
House Help Services provides emergency and home improvement services across NYC and NJ. Get a free estimate or call (206) 401-7828.