Frozen Pipes in Brooklyn: How to Prevent, Spot and Fix Winter Plumbing Problems

Brooklyn winters can bring weeks of freezing temperatures—and for homeowners, that often means one major concern: frozen pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe, pressure builds quickly, increasing the risk of a burst pipe that can cause extensive water damage, costly repairs, and major disruption to your home.

This risk is especially high in Brooklyn, where many homes feature older plumbing systems, exposed piping, and unheated basements or garages.

To help you protect your home, the experienced Brooklyn plumbers at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning have put together this updated, comprehensive guide to preventing frozen pipes—and knowing exactly what to do if they freeze.

Local plumbing expert Chris Petri has also shared winter pipe protection tips with News 12 Brooklyn viewers, helping homeowners prepare before temperatures drop.

Why Brooklyn Homes Are Especially Vulnerable to Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can happen anywhere, but Brooklyn homes face unique challenges, including:

• Older plumbing materials, such as aging copper or galvanized steel
• Pipes running along exterior brick walls, which get colder faster
• Unheated basements, crawl spaces, and garages
• Multi-family buildings, where one unheated unit can affect others

Understanding these risks makes prevention even more important.

Understanding the Dangers of Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient—they can be destructive. When a pipe bursts, it can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short time, leading to:

• Water damage to walls, ceilings, and floors
• Mold growth and indoor air quality issues
• Structural damage
• Expensive emergency repairs

The good news? Most frozen pipe disasters are preventable with the right preparation.

Before Temperatures Drop: 3 Smart Steps to Take

Before it gets really cold in Brooklyn, here are some things you can do that will help prevent your pipes from freezing.

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection

A professional inspection before winter can identify vulnerable pipes, weak insulation, or early signs of trouble—before freezing weather makes small issues much worse.

2. Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve

In an emergency, shutting off your water quickly can prevent catastrophic damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main valve is located and how to operate it.

3. Have an Emergency Plumber Ready

Frozen and burst pipes don’t wait for business hours. Choosing a trusted, 24/7 emergency Brooklyn plumber in advance saves critical time when every minute matters.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Brooklyn

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes (Most Important)

Just like bundling up in winter, your pipes need protection too. Focus on areas most prone to freezing, including basements, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and pipes near exterior walls.

• Use foam pipe insulation or sleeves from a hardware store
• Consider heat tape designed specifically for plumbing pipes
• As a temporary solution, wrap exposed pipes with towels or newspaper secured with duct tape

Make sure insulation fits snugly around the pipe for maximum protection.

2. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

Allowing a slow drip keeps water moving, which helps prevent freezing and relieves pressure if ice does form. Focus on faucets connected to exposed or exterior-facing pipes.

3. Keep Garage Doors Closed

Open garage doors allow freezing air to rush in, putting nearby pipes at risk. Keeping them closed is a simple but effective way to maintain warmer temperatures around plumbing.

4. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Avoid turning the heat down too low at night or when leaving town. Maintaining a steady indoor temperature—at least 55°F—helps keep pipes warm, even in unused areas of the home.

5. Seal Cracks & Air Leaks

Cold air can sneak in through small gaps around doors, windows, and foundation openings. Sealing these cracks helps protect pipes and improves energy efficiency at the same time.

6. Open Cabinet Doors of Frigid Days

Opening cabinets under sinks allows warm air to circulate around plumbing. If you have children or pets, be sure to move cleaning supplies to a safe location first.

7. Disconnect and Shut Off Outdoor Water Lines

Outdoor spigots and hose bibs are common freeze points. Disconnect hoses, shut off interior supply valves if possible, and drain any remaining water before winter sets in.

How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes

If a pipe freezes despite your best efforts, act quickly—but carefully.

1. Identify the Frozen Pipe

Look for faucets with little or no water flow and feel along exposed pipes for cold or frosty areas.

2. Keep the Faucet Open

Open the affected faucet slightly. As the ice melts, running water helps relieve pressure and speeds up thawing.

3. Apply Heat Gradually

Use one of the following safe methods, starting near the faucet and working toward the frozen section:

• Hair dryer or heat lamp
• Heating pad
• Space heater (kept safely away from flammable materials)
• Warm, damp towels wrapped around the pipe

⚠️ Never use open flames, blowtorches, or propane heaters, as these can damage pipes and create serious fire hazards.

4. Be Patient and Monitor Progress

Thawing takes time. Continue applying heat until water flows freely, then inspect the pipe carefully for leaks or cracks.

5. Call a Professional When in Doubt

If you can’t locate the frozen area, water won’t return, or you suspect a burst pipe, call a professional plumber immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Pipes in Brooklyn

Trust Brooklyn’s Plumbing Experts This Winter

Winter is a time for family, friends, and staying warm—not dealing with water damage from frozen pipes. Taking preventive steps now can save you stress, money, and major repairs later.

If you’re dealing with frozen pipes, burst pipes, or any winter plumbing emergency in Brooklyn, contact Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning for fast, dependable, 24/7 service.