Name: Helpful information on preventing pipes from freezing
Uploaded: 2025-12-08T18:14:00.413Z
Duration: 1 min 3 s
Description: According to Robert Gildersleve, general manager at Petri Plumbing, older homes are especially vulnerable to frozen pipes.

According to Robert Gildersleve, general manager at Petri Plumbing, older homes are especially vulnerable to frozen pipes.

Frozen pipes pose a significant risk to homes, especially in older buildings with poor insulation. Experts from Petrie Plumbing report a surge in service calls during cold weather and advise homeowners to take preventative measures such as shutting off valves, maintaining boilers, and keeping thermostats set above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Regular home inspections and system maintenance are emphasized as key steps to avoid pipe damage and costly repairs. With temperatures dropping, these precautions can help ensure comfort and prevent serious property damage.

Helpful information on preventing pipes from freezing

Leaky pipes are one problem, but in frigid winter weather, a frozen one can cause serious damage. Most New York City homes are very, very old, very poor insulation. You're going to have a frozen pipe as far back as it goes. Experts at Petrie Plumbing say they take nearly 30 calls per day when temperatures dip. Now they're stepping in with what you can do at home. Any shutoff valves that you have for the pipes, similar to this one here, you're going to want to shut that down so that the water doesn't continue to flow. Plumber pros say your boiler could also be behind backed up pipes. Things to maintain are definitely the burner compartment, making sure the boiler itself fires and it's able to move the water throughout the house to keep your pipes from freezing. And as for keeping your thermostat on a toasty setting, think again. You don't want it to be anything lower than 65, even if you're going away on vacation. And just make sure that your system is working and the batteries are changed. The bottom line? The same way you want to get checkups every few years on your body, you have to do the same thing for your home. You got to protect it. With temperatures plunging, a quick check of your pipes and heating system could be the difference between comfort and catastrophe. I'm Aurora Folks, News 12.

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