No water or a trickle from a faucet during freezing weather. Here's what to do about frozen pipes in New York City — including the local factors that change the advice.
Do this right now
Open the faucet
Open the affected faucet slightly. Flowing water — even a trickle — helps melt ice and gives it somewhere to go.
Warm the pipe gently
Hair dryer, heating pad, or warm (not hot) towels on the frozen section, working from the faucet back toward the blockage. Never an open flame or heat gun on high.
Check for leaks as it thaws
Watch closely — the real danger is a split you can't see until water flows. Have the main shutoff location ready.
Know when to stop
If you can't find the frozen section, if it's inside a wall, or if thawing reveals any leak — stop and call.
Call before it bursts
Call (844) 699-1165. A pro can thaw safely, check for splits, and insulate the vulnerable runs so it doesn't happen again.
Frozen Pipes in New York City? Talk to a local pro now.
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What makes frozen pipes different in New York City
- In New York City, frozen pipes are a winter classic — exterior walls, vacant units, and unheated basements
- pre-war buildings, brownstones, and co-op/condo towers — much of it a century old — pipes in these spots freeze first.
- deep winter freezes, nor'easters, and humid summers
- Co-op and condo rules often require building approval and licensed pros; lead service lines are still being replaced across the boroughs
Neighborhoods
If you're in Upper West Side, Park Slope, Astoria, Harlem, Flushing, Bay Ridge, Forest Hills, Washington Heights, Williamsburg, Jamaica, or anywhere across the New York City metro — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island — the steps above apply. Call (844) 699-1165 and mention your neighborhood so we match you with a pro who knows the area.
What to tell the pro when you call
- Which fixtures are affected and the outdoor temperature
- Where you suspect the freeze is: attic, crawlspace, exterior wall, garage
- Whether any water is flowing at all
- The age and material of your pipes if known
- Whether this has happened before (recurring freezes need insulation fixes)
Not quite your problem?
| Already spraying or flooding | Burst pipe — shut water off now in New York City → |
| No water in any weather | Pressure / supply issue in New York City → |
| Frozen outdoor hose bib only | Hose bibs split easily — mention it on the call in New York City → |
Frozen Pipes in New York City — FAQs
Do pipes really freeze in New York City?
How do I protect my New York City home before the next freeze?
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Should I drip faucets during a freeze?
More New York City plumbing guides
Main Water Shutoff Valve
You don't know where your main shutoff is (most common 'symptom').