Winter in New Jersey can be brutal. While you may look forward to the beauty of snow-covered landscapes and cozy nights by the fire, the colder temperatures also bring an often-overlooked risk — frozen pipes. When temperatures drop, water inside your pipes can freeze, causing them to burst and lead to costly damage. Fortunately, with the right precautions, you can protect your home and prevent frozen pipes from becoming a major issue.
Alexander Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning has a long-standing tradition of helping New Jersey homeowners protect their plumbing systems during harsh winters. Drawing from years of expertise, we provide valuable insights and practical tips to prevent frozen pipes, ensuring your home stays protected and your plumbing operates smoothly throughout the season.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
The most effective way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. Pipes that are exposed to the cold — such as those in unheated attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages — are particularly vulnerable. Insulating these pipes is a simple yet highly effective solution to minimize the risk of freezing.
- Pipe Insulation: Use foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation to cover pipes in vulnerable areas. These materials are specifically designed to prevent heat loss and protect pipes from the cold.
- Heating Tape: For extreme cold, consider using heating tape, which can be wrapped around pipes to provide gentle, consistent warmth. This is particularly helpful for pipes in areas that are hard to access or prone to extreme temperatures.
By insulating your pipes, you provide them with an extra layer of protection, making it much less likely that they will freeze when temperatures plummet.
2. Keep Your Thermostat Set Consistently
During winter, many people lower their thermostat at night or when they leave for work to save on heating costs. However, fluctuating temperatures in your home can contribute to the freezing of pipes.
To prevent this, keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, both during the day and at night. It’s especially important to keep the temperature above 55°F (13°C) in all areas where plumbing is present. This will ensure that the heat in your home is sufficient to prevent pipes from freezing.
If you plan to be away for an extended period, it’s a good idea to keep your thermostat at a minimum temperature or have someone check on your property regularly to ensure the heat is running.
3. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
In areas that are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures, allowing a small trickle of water to flow through the pipes can prevent them from freezing. The movement of water through the pipes keeps it from standing still, which can prevent the formation of ice.
- Faucet Drips: Open faucets slightly in areas where pipes are at risk, such as those located on exterior walls or in unheated rooms. This can relieve pressure in the pipes and reduce the chance of freezing.
- Both Hot and Cold Lines: Be sure to let both hot and cold water lines drip if they are located in vulnerable areas.
While this method uses a bit more water, it’s a relatively low-cost way to prevent frozen pipes from bursting.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Pipes
Another important step is to seal any gaps or cracks around pipes that allow cold air to enter. These openings are often found in areas like windows, doors, and exterior walls. If cold air is able to seep in around your pipes, it significantly increases the risk of freezing.
- Caulk and Sealant: Use caulk or spray foam insulation to seal small gaps around windows, door frames, and vents. For larger cracks or holes, you may need to use expanding foam or weatherstripping.
- Close Off Drafty Areas: Close off areas that are not in use and ensure doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent cold air from entering.
By blocking drafts, you keep the cold at bay and help maintain a stable temperature around your pipes.
5. Open Cabinet Doors for Better Circulation
Pipes located in cabinets, especially those under sinks in kitchens or bathrooms, can be prone to freezing if the space isn’t properly heated. During cold snaps, open cabinet doors to allow warmer air from your home to circulate around the pipes.
- Under-Sink Areas: For pipes under sinks on exterior walls, open the cabinet doors in both the kitchen and bathroom to let heat flow freely.
- Let Warmth Flow: If you have a small space heater, it may help to place it near the affected area (while being cautious of fire hazards). Just make sure to never leave a space heater unattended.
This simple action can ensure that the pipes in these areas stay warm enough to avoid freezing.
6. Drain Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Water to Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems, and garden hoses are at high risk of freezing in the winter. If water is left in these lines, it can freeze and expand, causing damage to the pipes and fixtures.
- Disconnect Hoses: Always disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets at the end of fall to prevent water from remaining in the hose and freezing.
- Shut Off Exterior Water Lines: If your home has a shut-off valve for exterior water, turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain them thoroughly. You can also insulate exterior faucets with foam covers for extra protection.
By taking these steps, you can avoid the damage that occurs when outdoor plumbing freezes.
7. Know How to Thaw Pipes Safely
In the event that you do encounter a frozen pipe, it’s important to know how to thaw it safely. Never use an open flame or intense heat like a blowtorch, as this can cause the pipe to crack or even explode.
Instead, follow these steps:
- Use a Hair Dryer: Start by using a hair dryer on a low setting, directing the heat toward the frozen section of the pipe.
- Space Heater: If the pipe is in an open space, a portable space heater can help thaw it safely.
- Warm Towels: Wrap warm towels around the frozen pipe to gently warm it.
If the pipe remains frozen or you can’t locate the frozen section, it’s a good idea to call in a professional plumber to assess the situation.

8. Call a Professional for Annual Inspections
Finally, one of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to have your plumbing system inspected before winter hits. Alexander Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning offers comprehensive plumbing inspections to ensure your pipes are properly insulated and that your entire plumbing system is in top shape for the winter season. Our experts can also perform preventive maintenance, including installing insulation and sealing any gaps around your pipes.
Protect Your Home This Winter with Alexander Plumbing
With these expert tips, you can minimize the risk of frozen pipes this winter and avoid the expensive repairs that come with burst pipes. However, if you’re concerned about your pipes or need assistance with insulation, sealing, or thawing, Alexander Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is here to help. Our team of professionals is ready to provide the guidance and service you need to ensure your home stays safe and warm all winter long.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about how we can help you protect your home from the dangers of frozen pipes this winter!