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Insulated water pipes in an unheated New Hampshire basement before winter
Most burst pipes in Southern NH are preventable with a short autumn checklist — and now is the time to do it. Here is ours.
Dealing with this right now? See our Emergency Plumbing Repairs page or request service online — same-day and next-day scheduling is available.
What should I do before the first hard freeze?
A short autumn pass prevents most of the burst-pipe calls we take in January:
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor hose bibbs
- Insulate pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces and garages
- Seal drafts near pipes in exterior walls and rim joists
- Know where your main shutoff is — and make sure it turns
- Keep the thermostat steady rather than deeply setting back overnight
- If you travel, do not let the house drop below the mid-50s
What about during a cold snap?
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the piping, and let a vulnerable faucet trickle when overnight temperatures drop well below freezing.
How do I know if my pipes are frozen — and what do I do?
A faucet that only trickles on a bitter morning is the classic sign. Close the main shutoff first, then open the nearest faucet to relieve pressure. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe.
If a pipe has already split, shut the water off and call. Emergency plumbing repairs are available 24 hours across Nashua and Southern New Hampshire.
Need help with this in Southern New Hampshire?
Read more about Emergency Plumbing Repairs, or get on the schedule now.