Preventing Frozen Pipes in NYC Basements

Basements and cellars in NYC's older homes are frequently under-insulated, and pipes running along exterior walls or near foundation vents are the most common freeze points we see every winter.

Steps that make a real difference

• Insulate exposed pipe runs, especially near exterior walls
• Seal drafts around foundation vents and basement windows
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hose bibs before the first hard freeze
• Keep basement doors closed to retain ambient heat
• Let faucets fed by exterior-wall pipes drip during extreme cold snaps

If your basement has frozen in past winters, that's a sign of a specific insulation gap rather than bad luck — worth having assessed before the next cold snap rather than after a burst pipe.