How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Westchester and Putnam NY
We specialize in Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Water Treatment in Westchester and Putnam Counties
This is the time of year with the temperatures below freezing (32F) that pipes in your home can freeze.
Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience. An one-inch crack in a pipe can spew hundreds of gallons of water a day wrecking floors, ceilings, furniture, and personal property.
I have a check list to help avoid frozen pipes.
OLD HEATING SYSTEMS -Can die when trying to keep the house warm in freezing temperatures. All heating systems should be clean & check yearly to keep them in good working condition. When it is time to replace an old heating system, do it.
HYDRONIC (Hot Water) HEATING SYSTEMS - Are heating systems that have water circulating through pipes throughout the house. These systems will freeze if the boiler fails, or in the event you loose electricity. They tend to freeze first because the pipes and radiation are typically on the outside walls. This can be prevented by adding antifreeze the system.
CHECK – that there are no broken or open basement windows, garage doors close properly; there is usually a draft above the garage doors and for drafts in the house.
CLOSE - crawl space air vents for the winter months.
INSULATE - pipes in crawl spaces and attics.
SEAL - leaks that allow cold air inside, near where pipes are located. (such as electrical wiring, dryer vents, etc.)
DISCONNECT - garden hoses and if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off water from pipes leading to outside faucet
SET - the thermostat no lower than 55 F.
HEAT TAPE – can be used to wrap pipes that may freeze up.
A TRICKLE of hot or cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing.
ASK a friend or neighbor to check your house daily if you are away. Use the Winter Watchman; Leave it in a window and if the house falls below 45 degrees it starts to blink. A neighbor might see it and check what it is. They can call the number you leave on a sign in the window.
If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house, leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.
Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible working toward the coldest section of pipe.
Aqueduct Services
914-666-9199 
Repairing plumbing and heating in Westchester and Putnam Counties
If you're looking for a professional HVAC Contractor, then give us a call at 914-666-9199 or complete our online request form.
Plumbing
Water Treatment
HVAC Services
- Heating
- Boilers And Furnaces
- Air Conditioning
- Indoor Air Quality
- Blower Door Testing
- Building Analysis
