How to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing During New Jersey Cold Snaps

A frozen water pipe is one of the most destructive winter emergencies a homeowner can face. When water freezes inside copper or PEX lines, it expands with tremendous force, splitting pipes and causing thousands of dollars in water damage once thawing begins.

High-Risk Areas in Your Home

Pipes located in unheated areas of your home are most vulnerable during cold snaps:

• Unheated basements and crawl spaces
• Attics and garages
• Pipes running along exterior walls under kitchen and bathroom sinks

Actionable Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Insulate Exposed Pipe Runs: Use foam pipe insulation sleeves on all exposed water lines in basements and crawlspaces.
2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Remove garden hoses from exterior spigots and turn off interior shutoff valves feeding hose bibbs.
3. Keep Cabinet Doors Open: During extreme cold, open sink cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm indoor air to circulate around plumbing fixtures.
4. Let Faucets Drip: Allowing a slow trickle of water from faucets connected to exposed pipes keeps water moving and reduces pressure buildup.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out during freezing temperatures, turn off your main water shutoff valve immediately to minimize flooding if the pipe splits. Never use open flames or blowtorches to thaw pipes.