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Homeowner guide

Frozen Pipe Prevention for New Jersey Homes

Every hard cold snap, frozen and burst pipes flood New Jersey basements — and nearly all of it is preventable with an afternoon of attention before winter.

Before winter

• Find your main shut-off and make sure it turns. In an emergency this valve is the difference between a puddle and a disaster.
• Insulate exposed runs in crawl spaces, garages, and along exterior walls — foam sleeves are cheap and effective.
• Disconnect hoses and shut interior valves feeding outdoor spigots; frost-free bibs only work with the hose off.
• Seal drafts near plumbing — a cold air stream on a pipe freezes it long before the room does.

During deep cold

• Keep the house at 55°F or above, even away.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
• Let vulnerable faucets drip slowly — moving water resists freezing.

If a pipe freezes

Shut the water main first, then open the affected faucet, and warm the pipe gently (hair dryer, warm towels) — never a torch. If a line has already split, it will announce itself when it thaws: shut-off first is the rule. Then call — a licensed plumber can repair the split and address why that run froze.

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