Boston, MA · plumbing service
Frozen Pipe Repair in Boston, MA
Pipes in exterior walls, back porches and unheated basements freeze in long cold spells. Call to be connected with an independent, licensed plumber who handles frozen pipe repair in Boston; they diagnose the problem and quote the work before starting.
By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent plumbing contractor serving your area. Calls may be recorded for quality and training. The call and referral are free, and you are never obligated to hire.- Licensed local plumbers
- Free call and referral
- You approve the quote first
Common signs
- No water at a faucet in freezing weather
- frost on a pipe
Frozen Pipe Repair services in Boston
Problems frozen pipe repair fixes
- No water at a faucet during a freeze
- Frost on an exposed pipe
- A split pipe once it thaws
- Pipes in exterior walls, attics or crawlspaces that freeze every winter
Why frozen pipe repair comes up in Boston
Pipes in exterior walls, back porches and unheated basements freeze in long cold spells.
Older construction makes freezing more likely: 70% of Boston's housing predates 1980, when pipes were often run through exterior walls, crawlspaces and unheated garages with little insulation.
- Typical home built
- 1947
- Homes before 1980
- 70%
- Winter freezes
- Regular hard freezes
How the work is done
- 1Shut off and assessClose the main if a pipe split; find the frozen section.
- 2Thaw safelyGentle heat with the faucet open, never a torch.
- 3Repair splitsCut out and replace the damaged section.
- 4Prevent repeatsInsulate, reroute or add heat tape to pipes that freeze.
What affects the price
The plumbing company sets the price after seeing the job; ask for it in writing before work starts.
- How many sections froze or split
- Access to the pipe
- Water damage to repair
- Insulation or rerouting
- Emergency timing
Plumbing work we connect Boston homeowners with
Frozen Pipe Repair in Boston: questions
What happens if my water meter freezes in Boston?
BWSC replaces a frozen meter and charges a replacement fee based on meter size; thawing a frozen service pipe is the owner's job or a licensed plumber's.
How should I thaw a frozen pipe in Boston, and who do I call if no faucet works?
BWSC says use a hair dryer or heat lamp, never an open flame; if no faucet has water, the problem may be in the street, so call BWSC at 617-989-7900.
What causes water meters to freeze in Boston homes?
BWSC says most frozen meters are caused by drafts from an open basement door or window, so keep the meter protected from icy drafts.
Why is frozen pipe repair a common call in Boston?
Pipes in exterior walls, back porches and unheated basements freeze in long cold spells.
How old are most homes in Boston?
The median home in Boston was built in 1947, and 70% of homes were built before 1980 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey).
Who can thaw a frozen pipe in Boston?
A plumber can thaw the line safely, check it for cracks and repair any split section before water damage spreads. In Boston: pipes in exterior walls, back porches and unheated basements freeze in long cold spells.
Frozen Pipe Repair near Boston
- Frozen Pipe Repair in Worcester, MAFrozen Pipe Repair in Worcester, MA: cold winters freeze pipes in triple-decker porches and exterior walls.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in Springfield, MAFrozen Pipe Repair in Springfield, MA: cold winters freeze pipes in older homes' exterior walls and porches.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in Lowell, MAFrozen Pipe Repair in Lowell, MA: old triple-deckers and mill housing have exposed pipes that freeze.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in Cambridge, MAFrozen Pipe Repair in Cambridge, MA: old triple-deckers have pipes in poorly insulated exterior walls.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in Brockton, MAFrozen Pipe Repair in Brockton, MA: old multi-family homes have pipes in poorly insulated walls.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in Lynn, MAFrozen Pipe Repair in Lynn, MA: old multi-family houses have pipes in poorly insulated walls.
More plumbing services in Boston
- Drain Cleaning in Boston, MADrain Cleaning in Boston, MA: old cast iron stacks and shared drains in multi-unit buildings narrow with buildup over decades.
- Repiping in Boston, MARepiping in Boston, MA: about 70% of homes predate 1980, so galvanized and aging copper supply lines are common.
- All plumbing services in BostonEvery plumbing service available to Boston homes.
Local rules and details for Boston
Boston facts behind this page
- The median home in Boston was built in 1947. [1]
- About 70% of Boston's housing units were built before 1980, the era of galvanized steel supply pipe, cast iron drains and clay sewer laterals. [1]
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission says protecting the service pipe and water meter from freezing is the property owner's responsibility. If a meter freezes, BWSC replaces it and charges a meter replacement fee based on meter size; if the service pipe freezes, the owner must thaw it or consult a licensed plumber. [2]
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission warns never to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame, which can cause a fire or a steam explosion; use a hair dryer or heat lamp and open a nearby faucet. If there is no water at any faucet, the problem may be in the street and BWSC says to call 617-989-7900. [2]
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission says most frozen meters are caused by drafts from an open basement door or window, and advises protecting the meter from icy drafts, insulating pipes in unheated garages, basements and crawl spaces, and knowing where the shutoff valve is. BWSC lists 617-989-7000 to report an emergency. [3]
Boston rules and programs for frozen pipe repair
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission says protecting the service pipe and water meter from freezing is the property owner's responsibility. If a meter freezes, BWSC replaces it and charges a meter replacement fee based on meter size; if the service pipe freezes, the owner must thaw it or consult a licensed plumber. [2]
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission warns never to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame, which can cause a fire or a steam explosion; use a hair dryer or heat lamp and open a nearby faucet. If there is no water at any faucet, the problem may be in the street and BWSC says to call 617-989-7900. [2]
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission says most frozen meters are caused by drafts from an open basement door or window, and advises protecting the meter from icy drafts, insulating pipes in unheated garages, basements and crawl spaces, and knowing where the shutoff valve is. BWSC lists 617-989-7000 to report an emergency. [3]
Other common plumbing calls in Boston
- Drain Cleaning: old cast iron stacks and shared drains in multi-unit buildings narrow with buildup over decades.
- Repiping: about 70% of homes predate 1980, so galvanized and aging copper supply lines are common.
Safety first
Never use an open flame; split pipe means main valve off.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Residential FAQs · checked 2026-10-19
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Frozen Pipes · checked 2026-10-19