Frozen Pipes in NJ: How to Prevent and Safely Thaw Them

When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and crack the pipe wall. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons into your home. Here's how to protect your plumbing through a Northern New Jersey winter.

Why pipes burst when they freeze

Water expands as it turns to ice. That expansion creates enormous pressure between the ice blockage and a closed faucet, and the pipe gives way at its weakest point, often when the ice thaws and water rushes through.

Prevention before the cold hits

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces
• Seal gaps where cold air reaches plumbing
• Let faucets drip during extreme cold to relieve pressure
• Keep cabinet doors open so warm air reaches pipes under sinks
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the first freeze
• Keep your thermostat steady, even when away

If a pipe is already frozen

Shut off the main water supply first. Open the affected faucet so water can escape as the ice melts. Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or warm towels, working from the faucet end toward the blockage. Never use an open flame.