Frozen pipes thawed safely and burst lines repaired fast

Water expands as it turns to ice. Inside a pipe, that expansion does not usually crack the pipe right where the ice forms. Instead, the ice plug traps water between itself and a closed faucet, and pressure in that trapped section climbs until the weakest point gives way. That is why a burst is often found a short distance from the coldest spot, and why the leak frequently does not show until the ice melts and water begins to flow again.

Pipes most at risk in Airmont, NY homes run through unheated crawlspaces, attics, garages and exterior walls, or feed outdoor spigots and irrigation lines. Kitchen sinks on outside walls are a classic trouble spot because cabinet doors keep room heat away from the supply lines. Homes left empty with the heat turned down are especially vulnerable during a long cold spell.

First steps when a pipe is frozen

If a faucet delivers only a trickle or nothing at all during very cold weather, assume a frozen section. Open the faucet so melting water has somewhere to go. Know where your main water shutoff is in case a burst appears as the pipe thaws. Never use a torch, open flame or propane heater on a pipe. Flames can start fires inside walls and can overheat a pipe unevenly, and some plastic pipe softens at relatively low temperatures.

How we thaw

Our technicians locate the frozen section by checking which fixtures are affected and feeling for the coldest part of accessible pipe. We warm it gradually with tools designed for the job, including heat guns used carefully at a safe distance, heat wraps and, for metal pipe, electric thawing equipment. We work from the faucet end back toward the ice so water can flow out as it melts. Once flow returns, we inspect the whole run for splits and leaks.

Repairing burst pipes

A split in copper pipe is cut out and replaced with a new section using soldered or press fittings. PEX is repaired with crimp or expansion fittings, and CPVC with the correct cement and couplings. If a fitting or valve cracked, we replace it. Where a pipe runs through a wall or ceiling, we open the smallest area needed to make a sound repair, and we check for other splits along the same run before closing up.

Prevention for next winter

Insulating exposed pipes with foam sleeves is inexpensive and effective in moderately cold spaces. Pipes in very cold locations may need thermostatically controlled heat cable installed according to the manufacturer. Disconnecting hoses and shutting off and draining outdoor faucets before winter prevents one of the most common bursts. During extreme cold, opening sink cabinets and letting a faucet drip slightly can keep water moving. Heating problems often cause frozen pipes in the first place, so a furnace or boiler failure during a cold snap should be treated as urgent, and our Boiler Repair and Heat Pump Repair pages cover those calls. Backflow devices on irrigation lines also need protection, as described on our Backflow Testing page.

Frozen pipe calls in Airmont, NY spike during the first severe cold snap of winter and during any stretch of extended sub-zero nights. Pipes in exterior walls, crawlspaces, garages and unheated basements are the most vulnerable. Before winter, disconnect garden hoses, shut and drain outdoor spigots where possible, and insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas. If you travel during cold months, keep the heat set at a safe minimum and ask someone to check the house, since a pipe that splits while you are away can run for days.