--- title: "How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Long Island Homes - Big City Plumbing and Heating" description: "Expert tips to prevent frozen pipes in Long Island, NY. Learn how to protect your Nassau or Suffolk County or NYC home from winter plumbing damage and burst pipes." lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "At what temperature do pipes freeze in NY?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Pipes typically begin to freeze when the outside temperature drops to 20°F or below for several consecutive hours." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I leave the heat on when I leave Long Island for vacation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, never turn your heat off during winter; set your thermostat to at least 55°F to ensure pipes in wall cavities stay warm enough." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does dripping the faucet actually prevent frozen pipes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, a slow drip relieves the pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the faucet, which is usually what causes a pipe to burst." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I find the main water shut-off valve in my home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In most Long Island homes, the shut-off valve is located in the basement or utility room near the water meter where the main line enters the house." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is PEX pipe better than copper for preventing freezes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While PEX is more flexible and can expand slightly more than copper before bursting, it is still susceptible to freezing and should be insulated properly." } } ] } --- We use cookies to analyze site traffic and improve your experience. [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy) DeclineAccept [![Big City Plumbing & Heating](/__l5e/assets-v1/c81cc3eb-3640-451e-a656-a0664993de13/big-city-plumbing-and-heating-logo-2.png) Big City Plumbing and Heating ](/) [Home](/)[About](/about-us)Services[Projects](/projects-gallery)[Reviews](/reviews)[How-To Videos](/how-to-videos)Links[Contact](/contact-us) [CALL US!631-361-9500 ](tel:631-361-9500) [CALL US!](tel:631-361-9500) [Back to Blog](/blog) # How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Long Island Homes February 9, 2026 ![How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Long Island Homes](https://wjaulyvqzywcnkegnzoh.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/how-to-prevent-frozen-pipes-in-long-island-homes-1770670510554.png) ### Direct Answer To prevent frozen pipes in Long Island homes, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements or crawlspaces, and seal air leaks near plumbing. During extreme cold snaps, allow a thin trickle of water to run from faucets served by exterior walls and keep under-sink cabinet doors open to circulate warm air. ### Why Pipes Freeze and the Risks Involved When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9% in volume. In a closed plumbing system, this expansion creates immense pressure that the metal or plastic pipe cannot contain, leading to a rupture. **Common Causes of Frozen Pipes:** - **Sudden temperature drops:** Rapid plunges in temperature often catch homeowners off guard. - **Poor insulation:** Pipes located in attics, crawlspaces, or against outside walls are most vulnerable. - **Drafts:** Small gaps in the home’s exterior allow freezing air to blow directly onto plumbing lines. **Risks of Pipe Bursts:** - **Structural Damage:** Water can weaken flooring, drywall, and support beams. - **Mold Growth:** Even a small leak from a frozen crack can lead to significant mold issues within 24-48 hours. - **High Repair Costs:** Remediating water damage is significantly more expensive than preventative maintenance. ### The Long Island Context Homeowners in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and parts of NYC face a unique set of challenges during the winter. Long Island’s housing stock features many older homes built before modern insulation standards were established. Many North Shore homes have deep basements that are difficult to heat, while South Shore homes may have pipes exposed in crawlspaces due to high water tables. Furthermore, Long Island’s coastal climate means high humidity and "wet cold," which can accelerate the freezing process when polar vortex events push temperatures into the single digits. Local municipalities often utilize varying water main depths, making some residential service lines more susceptible to ground frost than others. ### Homeowner Guidance: DIY vs. Professional Help **What You Can Do Safely:** - **Insulate:** Wrap accessible pipes with foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation. - **Drain Outdoor Lines:** Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the internal valve to outdoor spigots (silcocks). - **Manage Airflow:** Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to let household heat reach the pipes. - **Seal Gaps:** Use caulk or spray foam to seal holes where pipes enter through exterior walls. **When to Call a Licensed Plumber:** - **No Water Flow:** If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, the pipe is likely already frozen. Do not attempt to thaw it with an open flame or blowtorch. - **Visible Cracks:** If you see a bulge or a crack in a pipe, call a professional immediately before it thaws and begins leaking. - **Persistent Cold Spots:** If certain rooms are consistently colder than others, a plumber can help reroute pipes to safer, warmer interior locations. ### From a Long Island Plumber’s Perspective In our experience servicing homes from Hempstead to Montauk, we find that the most common culprit isn't just the cold—it's the wind. A small gap in the siding or a missing piece of basement window trim can act like a wind tunnel, freezing a pipe even if the ambient room temperature is 60 degrees. We always recommend a 'walk-around' every November to check for these small air leaks before the first freeze hits. ### Professional Assistance Protecting your home from winter weather is a vital part of property ownership in New York. If you are concerned about your plumbing's winter readiness or suspect a pipe has already frozen, contacting a licensed Long Island plumber is the safest way to prevent catastrophic water damage and ensure your system is up to local building codes. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### At what temperature do pipes freeze in NY? ### Should I leave the heat on when I leave Long Island for vacation? ### Does dripping the faucet actually prevent frozen pipes? ### How do I find the main water shut-off valve in my home? ### Is PEX pipe better than copper for preventing freezes? ![Big City Plumbing & Heating](/__l5e/assets-v1/c81cc3eb-3640-451e-a656-a0664993de13/big-city-plumbing-and-heating-logo-2.png) Big City Plumbing and Heating Licensed & insured plumbing and heating professionals serving New York since 1988. #### Quick Links - [Home](/) - [Services](/plumbing-services) - [About](/about-us) - [Reviews](/reviews) - [Blog](/blog) - [Contact](/contact-us) - [Financing](/financing) #### Services - [Plumbing Repair](/services#plumbing-repair) - [Heating Systems](/services#heating-systems) - [Tankless Water Heaters](/services#tankless-water-heaters) - [Gas Conversion](/services#gas-conversion) - [Emergency Services](/services#emergency-services) #### Contact - 631-361-9500 - 718-326-5833 (NYC) - Nassau, Suffolk & NYC [](http://www.facebook.com/bigcityplumbing?ref=tn_tnmn%20/bigcityplumbing.heating)[](https://www.instagram.com/bigcityplumbingandheating/)[](https://x.com/bigcityplumbing)[](https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=AAkAAAUWvLUB1msy7omBhpMetwl7zMHANsC8wzs)[](http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-city-plumbing-and-heating-centereach)[](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8fcDyolqilmFXHt8pg377Q) © 2026 Big City Plumbing and Heating. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)[Terms of Service](/terms-of-service)[Sitemap](/sitemap)[Admin](/admin/login)