What To Do if Your Pipes Freeze or Break
If Your Pipes Freeze:
Thaw the pipe safely. If you know where the pipes are frozen, you can attempt to thaw them with a hair dryer. Using a low heat setting, wave the warm air back and forth along the pipe. It’s a slow but safe process.
Do NOT use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes. You could start a fire. Also, overheating a single spot can cause the pipe to burst.
Be prepared to turn off the main control valve (below right illustration). The pipe you are thawing may already be broken, cracked or split. Water could come gushing out as the pipe thaws.
If Your Pipes Break:
Shut off the water and the water heater. If you can’t find the main control valve (illustration), or the valve doesn't work and water is leaking in the house, call the Division of Water at 645-8272 (Monday though Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.); after hours and weekends call 645-7788.
If You Can't Thaw Your Pipes:
If none of your faucets or fixtures are working and you can’t determine where the pipes are frozen, your service line may be frozen - you may need to seek assistance from a plumber.
Locating a Water Meter & Emergency Service Valve
Locate & mark your main control valve; show everyone in the house how to turn off water in an emergency. - learn more