BOHEMIA, NY – October 23, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Paul’s Way Home Services highlights common residential pipe materials and ways to prevent frozen pipes as winter approaches across Long Island. The company’s overview of plumbing pipe types covers seven materials found in residential systems. A one-eighth-inch crack in a pipe can spray more than 250 gallons of water a day, according to State Farm.

Nationwide, State Farm handled more than 20,000 frozen and winter water damage claims between January 2024 and June 2025. Those claims totaled over $628 million in paid losses, with an average payment above $30,000. In a separate 2022 analysis, the insurer ranked New York second among states for frozen pipe payouts, at about $17 million.

plumbing Pipes Material

According to the American Red Cross, expanding ice can break metal or plastic pipes. The Plastics Pipe Institute reports that PEX conducts heat far less readily than copper, which can delay freezing, and that its flexibility usually lets it expand without breaking. The institute also recommends preventing freezing in all pipe types.

Residential systems rely on a range of plumbing pipe materials, each with distinct uses. According to the company’s overview, PVC is common for drain and vent lines, while CPVC handles hot water up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Copper pipes can last 50 years or more, and PEX tubing is flexible and often color-coded for hot and cold lines.

Older materials bring different considerations. The company’s overview notes that galvanized steel was common in homes built before the 1980s, and that mineral buildup can restrict water flow over time. Some homes may also contain polybutylene piping, which the Cox v. Shell Oil class action settlement covered for certain systems installed between 1978 and 1995.

Local housing data suggests older piping may be relevant for Holbrook homeowners. According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates for 2020 through 2024, the median home in the Holbrook ZIP code was built in 1975. About 70 percent of the area’s housing units were built before 1980.

The American Red Cross recommends letting cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes, opening cabinet doors beneath sinks, and keeping the thermostat steady. They also recommend setting the thermostat to at least 55 degrees when residents are away during cold weather. State Farm advises that household members know where the main water shutoff valve is in case a pipe bursts.

The International Plumbing Code requires insulation, heat, or both to protect water pipes in places exposed to freezing, such as attics and crawl spaces. Locally adopted codes can differ, so requirements may vary for a particular home. The company’s overview adds that material choice depends on factors such as what the pipe carries and where it is installed.

The overview also notes that black iron is used for gas lines rather than water supply. The National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) recognizes steel pipe for fuel gas piping, and black iron is a form of steel pipe. The overview notes that different materials can often be joined with transition fittings.

Homeowners who are unsure which pipe materials their home contains can start by noting the year of construction and the visible pipe type in basements or utility areas. A licensed plumber can then assess whether older piping warrants closer inspection. Checking early gives you time to plan any needed work before temperatures drop.

Paul’s Way Home Services is a plumbing and heating company that has served homeowners for about two decades. Led by founder Paul, the company serves residential customers in Holbrook, Centereach, and Ronkonkoma. The company also performs PEX or copper repiping and remodeling, and it maintains around-the-clock emergency availability.

###

For more information about Paul’s Way Home Services, contact the company here:

Paul’s Way Home Services
Paul Oreziak
+16313970285
info@paulswayhomeservices.com
1371 Church St A4, Bohemia, NY 11716

About The Author
PressAdvantage