Frozen Pipes in Winter: A New England Homeowner’s Guide to Prevention

Protect Your Plumbing Before the Freeze Hits

Heritage Home Service is proud to serve homeowners across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts with trusted plumbing solutions — including expert help to prevent frozen pipes during harsh New England winters. When temperatures plummet, exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze quickly, leading to burst lines, water damage, and costly repairs. With a little preparation and the right strategies, you can keep your plumbing safe all season long.

Why Pipes Freeze in New England

New England winters are notorious for their long cold snaps, arctic winds, and dramatic temperature swings. Even newer homes with modern plumbing can be vulnerable if pipes are not properly protected.

Pipes are most likely to freeze when:

• Temperatures drop below 20°F for several hours or more
  
• Pipes run through unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, or garages
  
• Plumbing is installed in exterior walls with inadequate insulation
  
• Homes are left vacant or heat is turned down too low while owners are away
  

When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands — building pressure between the ice blockage and the closed faucet. That pressure can rupture the pipe, often in hidden areas behind walls or under floors. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short time.

The Cost of a Burst Pipe

Beyond the inconvenience, burst pipes can lead to serious damage, including:

• Flooded basements and ruined flooring
  
• Mold growth from prolonged moisture
  
• Destroyed insulation and drywall
  
• Electrical hazards if water reaches outlets or wiring
  
• Repair bills that easily reach thousands of dollars
  

These problems often arise at the worst possible time — overnight, during a storm, or when you’re away for the holidays. Prevention is always less expensive and less stressful than emergency repairs.

Top Strategies to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Thankfully, a few simple steps can dramatically reduce your risk:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Use foam pipe insulation or heating tape on pipes in unheated or drafty areas, like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls or in corners where cold air can settle.

2. Seal Gaps and Drafts

Cold air can enter through gaps around windows, doors, and foundation openings. Sealing these gaps helps maintain warmer temperatures in utility spaces.

3. Keep the Heat On

Maintain your thermostat at no lower than 55°F, even if you’re away. A consistent temperature throughout the home helps protect pipes in less-insulated areas.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

On especially cold nights, open cabinets under sinks (especially on exterior walls) to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

5. Let Faucets Drip

Allowing a slow trickle of water to flow through vulnerable pipes can help prevent freezing by relieving pressure buildup and keeping water moving.

6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Drain and disconnect garden hoses, then shut off and drain the water supply to exterior faucets. This prevents ice from forming inside and expanding into indoor plumbing.

7. Install Smart Leak Detection & Shutoff Systems

Modern plumbing technology can detect temperature drops, leaks, or abnormal flow — and automatically shut off the main water supply if a pipe bursts. (See our blog on Smart Plumbing for more.)

Recognizing Frozen Pipes Early

If you catch a frozen pipe before it bursts, you can often avoid major damage. Common signs include:

• No water flow from a faucet, especially on an exterior wall
  
• Frost or condensation visible on exposed pipes
  
• Unusual sounds when turning on taps (e.g., gurgling or whistling)
  
• A sudden drop in water pressure
  

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, turn off the water supply to that section of the home and call Heritage Home Service immediately. Our licensed plumbers can safely thaw the pipe and address the cause before it leads to bigger problems.

Safe Ways to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

While waiting for professional help, homeowners can try these steps on accessible, exposed pipes only:

1. Turn off the water supply to the affected line to minimize damage if the pipe bursts.
   
2. Open faucets to relieve pressure.
   
3. Gently apply heat using a hair dryer, space heater, or warm towels.
   
4. Start from the faucet end and work back toward the frozen area to allow melted water to escape.
   

Never use an open flame or torch to thaw pipes — this is extremely dangerous and can damage pipes or start fires.

Real-World Example: A Fast Save in Auburn, MA

Last February, during a deep freeze, a homeowner in Auburn woke up to find no water coming from their kitchen faucet. They called Heritage, and our technician quickly found a frozen pipe behind an exterior wall. By safely thawing the pipe, adding insulation, and sealing a draft near the sill plate, we prevented what could have been a major burst — all in a single visit.

A few proactive measures turned a potential disaster into a quick fix.

Long-Term Upgrades for Freeze Prevention

For older homes or properties that experience recurring freezing issues, Heritage may recommend:

• Re-routing exposed pipes through interior walls
  
• Upgrading to PEX piping, which is more resistant to bursting
  
• Adding heat tape with thermostatic control to vulnerable areas
  
• Improving insulation in basements, crawl spaces, and attics
  
• Installing smart shutoff systems for extra protection during absences
  

These upgrades can significantly reduce risk and often pay for themselves by preventing a single burst pipe incident.

Why Homeowners Across New England Trust Heritage

For generations, families in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts have relied on Heritage Home Service to keep their homes safe and comfortable — no matter how cold it gets outside. We offer:

• Same-day emergency plumbing services during winter freezes
  
• Expert diagnostics and repairs for frozen or burst pipes
  
• Preventive maintenance and insulation recommendations
  
• Friendly, local technicians who understand New England winters
  

We know the challenges homeowners face during deep freezes, and we’re here to help you stay ahead of them.

Call Heritage Home Service Before the Freeze Hits

Don’t wait until a burst pipe disrupts your winter. A little prevention goes a long way, and our experienced plumbing team can help winterize your home and address vulnerable areas before the cold sets in.Call Heritage Home Service today to schedule your winter plumbing inspection and freeze prevention service.
Or, contact us online for fast, reliable support throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.