It is common for a water main to break throughout the winter months. As the weather turns cold, pipes expand, which leads to cracks and breaks within the water line. There are several precautionary steps you can take to avoid a frozen water main. Harris Water & Sewer - 718-841-9569

1. Water Main & Sewer Contractors
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2. It is common for water main breaks to occur more often over the winter months.
• There are approximately 35% more water main breaks
throughout NYC from December to February, which is simply
due to freezing weather conditions.
• As the weather turns cold, water lines tend to expand and
contract which weakens the water pipes.
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• If a pipe is already corroded and in a weakened state, it
makes sense that the expansion and contraction would
cause the pipe to crack.

3. • Frozen ground is another factor in water line
breaks throughout the winter months.
• When water turns into ice, it can expand.
• When ice forms in soil it pushes the
surrounding ground with great force.
• This leads to a movement in the ground as
well as any nearby pipes.
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4. Broken water line below ground Water main leak above surface
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WATCH “WATER LINE BREAKS IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES” VIDEO HERE

5. How To Prevent Freezing Pipes Throughout The Winter
Pipes that freeze are most frequently exposed to severe cold weather.
EX.
• Pipes that are in unheated interior areas
• Pipes that run against walls with no insulation
• Pipes that are above the grounds frost line.
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The frost line in NYC is usually around 42 inches
1. It is suggested to check the house for areas where the water line supply is
located in unheated areas and insulate the pipes.
2. Look in the basement, garages, crawl spaces etc.
3. You should also keep water running at all times, even a drip of water will help
prevent freezing pipes.

6. Thawing A Frozen Pipe
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1. To thaw a frozen pipe you should first check the condition
of the pipe where it has frozen.
It is possible that plastic or copper pipes may crack or split
when being thawed.
2. If the pipe has cracked, you should immediately call a
licensed master plumber.
3. If the pipe is metal, a welder can be connected to each side
where the pipe has frozen and it will use electricity to warm
the pipes.

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