The pipes most likely to freeze are the ones in cold, unheated spaces or along outside walls. Garages, crawl spaces, attics, and the area under kitchen sinks on exterior walls are common trouble spots.
Where Freezing Usually Starts
- Outdoor hose faucets and the short pipe just inside the wall
- Pipes in an unheated garage or enclosed porch
- Water lines in crawl spaces or unfinished basements near vents
- Kitchen and bathroom pipes in cabinets on outside walls
- Pipes near drafty windows, doors, or dryer vents
- Lines running through an attic
A pipe does not have to be outside to freeze. Cold air leaking through a small gap in the foundation can chill one section of pipe far below the temperature of the rest of the house.
Why Some Pipes Freeze and Others Do Not
Moving water is less likely to freeze than water that sits still. Pipes that feed a rarely used guest bathroom or an outdoor spigot can freeze before busier lines. Thin insulation, missing caulk, and wind blowing against one side of the house also play a part. Homes with additions sometimes have pipes running through spaces that were never meant to be heated.
Simple Ways to Lower the Risk
- Keep the heat on, even when you are away
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on cold nights
- Disconnect garden hoses before the first freeze
- Add foam pipe sleeves to exposed lines
- Seal gaps where pipes pass through outside walls
Long Island winters can bring sudden drops in temperature, so it helps to do these steps in the fall instead of waiting for a cold snap.
If a frozen line has already cracked, close the main valve and avoid wet electrical areas. Having the split pipe fixed before the water is turned back on helps prevent a second flood.
Want someone to point out the weak spots in your house before winter? To get started, schedule a visit with a nearby plumber through JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.