What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze in Buffalo and Western New York
Gideon’s Plumbing Helps You Stay Calm, Safe, and Leak-Free During Winter’s Worst Weather
When temperatures in Buffalo plunge below freezing, even the most well-prepared homeowners can find themselves facing one of winter’s biggest headaches – frozen pipes. If your faucets suddenly stop running or your water pressure drops, a frozen section of pipe might be the cause.
At Gideon’s Plumbing, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg handle frozen pipes safely and efficiently. Acting quickly and correctly can prevent a burst pipe and thousands of dollars in water damage.
Here’s what to do if your pipes freeze and how to keep it from happening again.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply Immediately
The very first step when you suspect a frozen pipe is to shut off your main water valve. This prevents pressure from building up in the pipe, which is what causes it to burst as the ice expands.
You’ll usually find the shut-off valve in your basement or near where the main water line enters your home. Once you’ve turned it off, open all faucets to release any remaining pressure.
If you’re unsure where your main valve is or it’s not working properly, Gideon’s Plumbing can help locate and service it with excellent repairs before the next freeze.
2. Locate the Frozen Section
Next, try to find where the pipe is frozen. Common spots include:
· Pipes along exterior walls or in unheated basements or crawl spaces
· Under sinks located near outside walls
· Lines running through garages or attics
If the pipe feels very cold, frosty, or bulging, it’s likely frozen at that point. Be careful not to tap or hit the pipe. It could already be fragile and ready to crack.
3. Gently Warm the Frozen Pipe
Once you’ve found the frozen section, begin thawing it slowly. Start near the faucet end of the pipe so water and steam can escape as the ice melts.
Safe ways to warm the pipe include:
· A hair dryer or portable space heater (kept a safe distance from walls and flammable materials)
· Wrapping the pipe with warm towels soaked in hot water
· Using a heat lamp directed at the frozen area
Never use an open flame such as a blowtorch or lighter. This can damage your pipes, start a fire, or cause an explosion if gases are present.
If you can’t reach the frozen area or aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, call Gideon’s Plumbing right away. Our technicians are trained to safely thaw and inspect your plumbing for damage.
4. Check for Leaks Once the Pipe Thaws
When the pipe begins to thaw, keep an eye out for leaks or drips. Sometimes the ice expands and causes small cracks that only become visible once the water starts flowing again.
Even a small leak can quickly turn into a major flood, so it’s important to call Gideon’s Plumbing for repairs as soon as possible. We’ll assess the damage, replace any compromised sections, and make sure your system is secure.
5. Inspect and Protect Your Plumbing to Prevent Future Freezes
Once your immediate issue is resolved, take steps to prevent frozen pipes from happening again. A little preparation now can save you stress and money later.
Here’s how to protect your plumbing system:
· Insulate pipes in basements, garages, and attics
· Seal drafts near pipe openings, windows, and vents
· Keep heat consistent, even if you’re away
· Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
· Disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor faucets before freezing temperatures arrive
For long-term protection, Gideon’s Plumbing can perform a winter plumbing inspection and recommend solutions like additional insulation, new installs for frost-proof faucets, and pipe rerouting if needed.
6. Know When to Call a Professional
If you can’t locate the frozen pipe, if the pipe bursts, or if you notice water damage, don’t wait, call Gideon’s Plumbing immediately. Attempting DIY fixes in these cases can make things worse.
Our licensed technicians serve Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg, providing:
· 24/7 emergency service for frozen or burst pipes
· Professional pipe thawing and leak repairs
· Insulation and winterization services
· Expert new installs to prevent future freezing issues
We’re committed to excellent service that protects your home and gives you peace of mind through the coldest Buffalo winters.
Stay Calm and Call Gideon’s Plumbing
A frozen pipe can feel overwhelming, especially during a snowstorm or overnight freeze, but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Gideon’s Plumbing, we’re here to restore your plumbing safely, prevent future issues, and keep your home running smoothly no matter how cold it gets.
Serving Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg, our trusted team provides reliable repairs, new installs, and year-round plumbing protection for Western New York homeowners.
If your pipes freeze, don’t panic.
Call Gideon’s Plumbing today for fast, expert help and the excellent service Buffalo homeowners trust all winter long.