How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During New Jersey Winters

When arctic air settles into New Jersey, frozen pipes can go from “maybe” to “oh no” fast. One brutally cold night is all it takes—especially in older homes or places where plumbing runs along exterior walls.

The good news? A few simple steps can dramatically lower your risk. Think: keep pipes warm, keep water moving, and never try to play hero with a blowtorch.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes Fast During a Deep Freeze

Two things matter most: heat and movement.

During extreme cold:

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets on exterior walls
• Close garage doors if plumbing runs through them
• Let vulnerable faucets drip slowly

Moving water helps prevent freezing and relieves pressure if ice starts forming. That pressure relief is key—because frozen pipes don’t usually fail while frozen, but when they thaw and expand. That expansion can crack copper, PEX, or PVC pipes, especially in tight runs. A slow, steady flow gives that pressure somewhere to go—often preventing a burst entirely.

If you’re unsure whether your plumbing is protected, the licensed plumbers at Princeton Air can inspect and winterize your plumbing system.

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk of Freezing in New Jersey Homes?

In NJ, frozen pipes usually show up in:

• Garages
• Crawlspaces
• Attics
• Exterior-wall plumbing

This is especially common in older homes across Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Burlington, and Somerset counties, where insulation standards weren’t always at the highest level.

Local note: In towns like Princeton, West Windsor, Hamilton, and parts of Bergen County, kitchen sinks are often installed on exterior walls. On single-digit nights, open those cabinets and check for cold drafts—you’ll feel them immediately.

Should You Let Faucets Drip to Prevent Pipes from Freezing?

Yes—but do it strategically.

Let faucets drip when:

• Temperatures plunge into the teens or single digits
• Pipes run through unheated or exterior-wall areas
• Overnight lows stay cold for multiple days

For single-handle faucets, run both hot and cold slightly. And instead of dripping every faucet in the house, focus on the coldest, most vulnerable ones. Utilities like New Jersey American Water support targeted dripping during extreme cold snaps to reduce waste while still preventing damage.

If you’re unsure which faucets are most vulnerable, you can schedule a plumbing service call to have our technicians assess your home layout.

How to Winterize Pipes Before Extreme Cold Hits

A little prep goes a long way. Before a deep freeze hits:

• Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves or heat cable (where appropriate)
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off/drain outdoor spigots
• Add insulated covers to exterior hose bibs
• Seal drafts around sill plates and pipe penetrations
• Keep your thermostat set at 55°F or higher (higher during freeze warnings)
• If you’ll be away, maintain heat and consider shutting off and draining the main

These steps are especially important for Shore homes, split-levels, and properties with additions—places where plumbing layouts can get creative

Many homeowners in New Jersey join our Home Comfort Club maintenance plan to avoid winter disasters like frozen pipes and water damage.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely Without Causing Damage

If a line freezes:

1. Open the faucet first
2. Apply heat starting at the faucet and working back
3. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels

Never use an open flame or torch. That’s a fire risk and a carbon monoxide hazard.

If you can’t find the frozen section—or suspect the pipe is already damaged—it’s time to call the licensed plumbers at Princeton Air.

Burst Pipes in Winter: When to Call an Emergency Plumber

If a pipe bursts:

• Shut off the main water supply immediately
• Open faucets to relieve pressure
• Avoid standing water near electrical outlets or appliances
• Call for emergency plumbing service

Knowing where your shutoff valve is before something goes wrong can save thousands in damage.

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes During New Jersey Arctic Cold

Pay attention to local weather alerts and utility guidance. New Jersey American Water publishes seasonal reminders every winter, and freeze warnings are especially important:

• Along the Shore, where wind chills accelerate freezing
• In river valleys like the Trenton / Delaware corridor
• In North Jersey towns where older housing stock meets brutal wind exposure

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

New Jersey winters can be unforgiving—but frozen pipes aren’t inevitable. With a little prep, steady heat, and smart prevention during deep freezes, you can protect your home and avoid a very messy surprise. And if something does go sideways, knowing when to call the pros at Princeton Air makes all the difference.

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