Don’t Let Winter’s Bite Freeze Your Pipes: Essential Protection Tips for Bergen County Homeowners

Winter in Bergen County, New Jersey, brings more than just snow and cold temperatures—it brings the very real threat of frozen pipes that can burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Bergen County, NJ, residents are familiar with the harshly cold temperatures that winter provides. When temperatures reach such a low number, it can be troublesome for your home. Understanding how to protect your plumbing system before the mercury drops can save you from costly repairs and water damage.

Understanding the Freezing Point Risk

Pipes can freeze when the temperatures reach below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Bergen County’s climate puts your HVAC through the wringer in summer and winter. Average highs of 84 degrees Fahrenheit in July along with 100 days of freezing nights make this region particularly susceptible to pipe freezing issues. When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes can freeze and burst, regardless of whether they are made of plastic or copper.

The science behind pipe bursts is straightforward: Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Most Vulnerable Areas in Your Home

Not all pipes are created equal when it comes to freezing risk. Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines. Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation. Especially susceptible to bursting are pipes in uninsulated areas and small fixtures, such as a fire sprinkler head.

Proactive Prevention Strategies

The best defense against frozen pipes is a good offense. Here are the essential steps every Bergen County homeowner should take before winter arrives:

Insulation is Key

Insulate pipes in crawl spaces and attics—these are the ones most susceptible to freezing. The more insulation, the better the pipes are protected. Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape,” “heat cable,” or similar materials on exposed water pipes.

Outdoor Preparations

Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets. Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This may help prevent freezing of the short span of pipe just inside the house.

Temperature Control

Set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. Keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night may help prevent frozen pipes. During extreme cold, this may also help reduce the strain on the furnace.

Emergency Prevention During Cold Snaps

When Bergen County weather forecasts predict particularly harsh conditions, take these immediate steps:

• Let water drip. A trickle of water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight when temperatures are cold, preferably from an indoor faucet on an outside wall.
• Open cabinet doors. This allows heat to better get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside, especially near pipes. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep cold air out and the heat in.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, act quickly. Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

For thawing, You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. However, NEVER try to thaw a pipe with a torch or open flame.

When to Call a Professional

Some situations require immediate professional intervention. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out call a plumber. When dealing with frozen pipes in Bergen County’s challenging winter conditions, it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals who understand local plumbing challenges. A qualified Plumber Bergen County, NJ can provide emergency services and preventive maintenance to protect your home’s plumbing system.

If pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house. This immediate action can prevent extensive water damage while you wait for professional help.

The Cost of Prevention vs. Repair

According to 2023 State Farm claims data, the company received more than 17,200 claims related to frozen pipes, paying more than $432.5M, with the average claim just over $23,500. These staggering numbers highlight why prevention is so much more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of burst pipes.

An eighth-inch (three millimeters) crack in a pipe can emit up to 250 gallons (946 liters) of water a day. By taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself the mess, money, and aggravation frozen pipes cause.

Preparing for Bergen County’s Winter Reality

Bergen County’s winter weather patterns make pipe protection not just advisable but essential. The winters in Cresskill, NJ regularly experience subfreezing temperatures that can cause problems around a home or building, including frozen pipes and sprinkler heads. When a frozen pipe or sprinkler head bursts, it can spill hundreds of gallons of water within the building very quickly.

Don’t wait until the first freeze warning to start protecting your pipes. The time to act is now, before winter’s harsh grip tightens on Bergen County. By following these prevention strategies and knowing when to call for professional help, you can keep your pipes flowing and your home safe throughout the coldest months of the year.