A burst pipe rarely makes a sound when it happens. The flood arrives later, when the ice melts. Before a serious cold snap:
- ☐ Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls — foam sleeves are cheap and quick.
- ☐ Keep the heat on. Dropping the thermostat below about 55°F (13°C) to “save money” is how pipes freeze.
- ☐ Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls so warm room air reaches the pipes.
- ☐ On the coldest nights, let a vulnerable faucet drip slowly — moving water resists freezing.
- ☐ Disconnect garden hoses and close the inside valve feeding outdoor faucets.
- ☐ Know where your main shut-off is — if a pipe does burst, those first minutes decide the repair bill.
If something has already split, shut the water off first, then call us. CMG Bridge takes emergency calls at 917-859-4428 and serves Staten Island Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.