The pipes that freeze first
It's the ones on outside walls, in unheated basements, and under crawl spaces — anywhere cold air reaches the pipe. In older Bay Ridge homes, the kitchen sink wall and the basement runs near the foundation are the usual suspects.
- •Pipes on exterior walls, especially behind sinks
- •Basement runs near the foundation or unheated areas
- •Hose bibs and outdoor connections not shut off for winter
- •Any pipe in a drafty or uninsulated cavity
What actually works
Pipe insulation on exposed runs is the cheap, effective first step. For pipes on outside walls, letting a faucet drip during the coldest nights keeps water moving — moving water is far harder to freeze. Sealing drafts that hit pipes matters more than people think. And shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs before the first hard freeze.
If a pipe's already frozen
Don't force it. Open the faucet so water has somewhere to go as it thaws, and warm the pipe gently — not with an open flame. If you can't find the frozen spot or it's already bulged, shut the main and call. A frozen pipe that's burst is a flood the moment it thaws.
Have a plumbing issue right now?
Call and leave a voicemail — Bob calls back during business hours. For the fastest reply (usually within the hour), email him directly.