How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Stamford, CT (Before It’s Too Late)

If you’ve lived in Stamford for more than one winter, you already know—we get cold. And not the "wear-an-extra-sweater" kind of cold. We're talking bitter, wind-slaps-you-in-the-face kind of cold. It sneaks up fast, and when it does, your plumbing better be ready.

I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been called out in January or February because someone woke up to no water—or worse, a pipe that let go behind a wall. That kind of mess doesn’t wait. It floods. It damages. And it’s usually preventable.

So if you're reading this before things really dip below freezing, good. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pipes from freezing, bursting, or turning your home into a waterlogged headache.

Why Pipes Freeze Around Here

Let’s start with the basics. Water inside your pipes freezes when it gets cold enough—simple enough. But here’s the kicker: when that water turns to ice, it expands. And if it expands inside your pipe? That pressure has to go somewhere. Usually, the pipe cracks or bursts.

It doesn’t take much. You might not even notice it right away. One customer in North Stamford told us they thought their water pressure was just a little low. A few days later? A burst pipe in the ceiling. Thousands of dollars of damage—just from a slow, silent freeze.

Here’s where pipes usually get hit hardest:

• Outdoor spigots or hose connections

• Pipes in cold crawlspaces or garages

• Anything along an exterior wall, especially in older homes

What We Tell Our Own Neighbors to Do

We live and work here too, so everything we recommend, we’ve either done in our own homes—or wish someone had told us to do sooner.

1. Wrap Pipes That Feel the Cold

Got a basement that’s barely heated? A garage with a sink? Pipes that run along the back wall of the kitchen cabinets? Those are the first to freeze.

Head to your local hardware store and grab some foam pipe insulation. Cut it to size and pop it on. That alone could save you a world of trouble.

And if you’ve got a spot that’s really drafty (we’ve seen a few in Springdale that get like a walk-in freezer), you might need heat tape. We’ve installed plenty of those for folks who just want to sleep easy through January.

2. Let It Run—Just a Trickle

This one feels counterintuitive, but trust us—it works. When the temps hit the low 20s or below, open your faucet just a crack overnight. Just enough for a tiny trickle.

Moving water doesn’t freeze up as easily. And yeah, you’ll use a bit more water for the night. But compared to the cost of repairing a burst pipe? It’s a no-brainer.

3. Keep the Heat On, Even if You’re Away

We know, energy bills aren’t cheap. But if you turn the thermostat way down while you’re away, you’re playing with fire.

Keep it at 55°F or higher, even if the place is empty. Open the cabinet doors under your sinks so warm air can circulate around those pipes. Sounds simple, but it works.

One customer in Glenbrook left for the holidays last year and set their heat to 45. They came home to a soaked kitchen ceiling. Don’t be that story.

4. Don’t Forget the Outside Stuff

Garden hoses? Disconnect ’em. Drain them. Store them. Then turn off the water supply to your outdoor spigots and let any leftover water drain out.

These are always the first to freeze, and they’re easy to overlook. We get calls every single winter from folks who missed this step and ended up with a cracked pipe that runs straight into the basement wall.

5. Seal Up the Drafts

Take a walk around your house. Feel any cold air sneaking in around where pipes come through the walls or floors? That’s a trouble spot. Grab some spray foam or caulk and seal those areas up.

Also not a bad idea to check the weather stripping around your garage or basement doors. The more you can keep the cold out, the better off your plumbing will be.

How to Tell If You’re Already in Trouble

Sometimes, you don’t know a pipe’s frozen until it’s too late. But if you catch it early, you might be able to prevent a bigger issue.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Faucet barely dribbles or doesn’t flow at all

• Frost or condensation on a pipe you can see

• Weird smells coming from a drain (sometimes gases get trapped behind ice)

• Gurgling or popping sounds behind the wall

If you notice anything like that—turn off your main water supply right away and give us a call. The sooner you act, the more likely you can avoid major damage.

👉 Reach out to MACA Plumbing 24/7 here

What To Do If a Pipe Freezes (But Hasn’t Burst—Yet)

If you think a pipe is frozen but still intact, here’s your play:

1. Shut off your water.

2. Open the affected faucet.

3. Use a hairdryer or heating pad to warm the pipe gently.

4. Keep warming it until water flows again.

And please—don’t use an open flame. Every winter we hear about someone who tried using a blowtorch and ended up with two emergencies.

Why People Around Stamford Call Us

We’ve been doing this in Fairfield County for almost two decades. We’ve seen the old colonial homes that never got insulation upgrades. We’ve seen the newer builds that still get cold spots. We’ve thawed pipes in finished basements and fixed leaks in drafty garages.

This is what we do—and we know the area inside and out.

We help with:

• Emergency frozen pipe repairs

• Preventative insulation and winter prep

• Full plumbing system checkups

• Heating and hot water system care

We keep it simple. We show up when we say we will. And we treat your home like it’s our own.

📍 Based in Stamford, CT

📞 Call MACA Plumbing today

One Last Thing

We’re not here to scare you—but we are here to keep your winter calm and your floors dry.

Frozen pipes aren’t just a plumbing issue. They’re a home issue. A stress issue. And more often than not, they’re totally preventable.

So if you’re sitting there thinking, “I’ll deal with it later”—don’t. Take 10 minutes today. Wrap those pipes. Check those outdoor spigots. Make a plan.

And if you’re not sure where to start? You’ve got us. Just say the word—we’re here to help, day or night.