How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter on Long Island

Long Island winters are no joke. When temperatures drop below 20°F for more than a few hours, water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and burst — causing thousands of dollars in damage in just minutes.

At 24/7 Services Inc, we respond to hundreds of frozen and burst pipe emergencies every winter across Nassau and Suffolk County. The good news? 90% of these calls are completely preventable.

Why Frozen Pipes Are Such a Big Problem on Long Island

Many Long Island homes were built decades ago with uninsulated pipes running through crawl spaces, exterior walls, and unheated basements. Combine that with our brutal nor’easters and wind chill — and you have the perfect recipe for disaster.

9 Proven Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

• Keep garage doors closed if water supply lines are located there (common in split-level homes in Massapequa, Huntington, and Smithtown).
• Let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes during extreme cold snaps (below 15°F).
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
• Set your thermostat no lower than 55°F — even when you’re away (this is the #1 mistake we see).
• in basements, crawl spaces, and attics with foam sleeves or heat tape.
• around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the home.
• and shut off outdoor water valves.
• on vulnerable lines (especially north-facing exterior walls).
• — and make sure everyone in the house knows too.

What to Do If Your Pipes Are Already Frozen (But Haven’t Burst)

1. Turn on the faucet — water flow can sometimes help melt the ice.
2. Apply heat safely — use a hair dryer, space heater, or warm towels. Never use an open flame.
3. Keep applying heat until full water pressure returns.
4. Check all faucets in the house — you may have multiple frozen spots.

What to Do If a Pipe Has Already Burst

Act fast — water damage escalates quickly.

1. Shut off the main water valve immediately.
2. Call 24/7 Services Inc at 631-606-3288 — we answer 24/7, even on Christmas Day.
3. Turn off electricity if water is near outlets (safety first).
4. Start removing water and call your insurance company.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

One night of neglect can cost you thousands. Take 30 minutes this weekend to walk through the checklist above — or schedule a free winter plumbing inspection with our licensed team.

We’ve been keeping Long Island homes safe from frozen pipes for over 11 years. When you need help fast, you can count on 24/7 Services Inc.