Local guide / York, PA
Frozen Pipes in York, PA: Which Pipe Is Yours to Fix?
When the water stops on a cold morning, the first question is whose problem it is. Here is how it splits in York.
Call Now: (717) 402-9746The short version
The York Water Company is responsible for the water main and the piping from the main to the curb line. From the curb line into your house, the service line, your plumbing and your fixtures are yours. So is protecting the water meter from freezing, even though the company owns the meter itself.
That means a frozen or burst pipe on your side of the curb is a job for your plumber, not the water company.
Protect the meter before it gets cold
York Water asks customers to insulate the meter if it sits in a cold basement, crawl space or outside wall. The company suggests simple things: insulation, heat tape, a cardboard box, an old blanket or a meter cover.
While you are there:
- Close basement windows and vents near the meter and pipes
- Wrap pipes in unheated spaces like garages and crawl spaces
- Disconnect garden hoses so the outside spigot can drain
- Find your main shut-off valve and make sure it turns
Frozen or burst pipe in York? Call to reach a local plumber now.
Call (717) 402-9746If the water stops or slows to a trickle
If it is very cold and water stops or barely trickles, a pipe has probably frozen. York Water's advice is to contact a local plumber to thaw the pipe and check for damage.
If you try to thaw it yourself, the American Red Cross suggests a hair dryer, a heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water, and keeping the faucet open so melting water can run. Never use a torch, a propane or kerosene heater, or any open flame. That is how frozen pipes turn into house fires.
Why burst pipes show up after the thaw
Water expands when it freezes, and that pressure splits pipes. The split often stays hidden until the ice melts and water starts flowing again. If you thaw a pipe and then hear running water, see a wet ceiling or find water in the basement, shut off the main valve right away and call a plumber.
Who to call
For a problem on the water company's side, like a main break in the street, York Water lists 717-845-3601 during business hours and 717-848-2984 after hours. For anything on your side of the curb, you need a plumber.
Sources
Where these facts come from
Checked 2026-10-10. Rules and phone numbers change, so confirm with the source before you rely on them.
Services
Plumbing Help in York
Emergency Plumbing
Burst pipes, flooded basements, sewer backups and no water. Any hour.
Get help →EmergencyBurst & Frozen Pipe Repair
Split pipes after a freeze, leaks in walls and ceilings.
Get help →EmergencySump Pump Repair & Replacement
Pump not running, running nonstop or basement taking on water.
Get help →UrgentSewer Line Repair & Camera Inspection
Backups, roots in the line and cracked clay or cast iron pipe.
Get help →UrgentDrain Cleaning
Clogged kitchen, bath and basement drains cleared fast.
Get help →UrgentWater Heater Repair & Replacement
No hot water, leaking tanks, gas and electric units.
Get help →UrgentWater Line Repair & Repiping
Main water line leaks, low pressure and old galvanized pipe.
Get help →Plan aheadToilet & Faucet Repair
Running toilets, overflows, leaky faucets and new fixtures.
Get help →Call any time
Pipes Frozen in York?
Call any time to reach a local York County plumber.