As temperatures drop in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, frozen pipes become one of the most common—and costly—winter plumbing emergencies. A frozen pipe doesn’t just stop your water flow. It can burst without warning, flooding your home and causing thousands of dollars in water damage.
The good news? Most frozen pipe disasters are preventable with a few proactive steps. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or just looking to avoid another winter headache, here’s what you need to know.
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Why Do Pipes Freeze in the First Place?
Frozen pipes happen when unprotected water lines are exposed to prolonged cold—typically below 20°F. As the water inside the pipe freezes, it expands. Since water has nowhere to go, that pressure builds up, often causing the pipe to crack or burst completely.
Most vulnerable pipes include:
- Pipes in unheated crawl spaces or basements
- Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines
- Water lines in exterior walls
- Pipes under kitchen or bathroom cabinets
And it’s not just older homes. Even newer homes in Florence, Independence, and across Greater Cincinnati can experience pipe freezes—especially if insulation or heat sources weren’t installed properly.
What Happens When a Pipe Bursts?
It doesn’t take long for a burst pipe to cause serious damage. A crack as small as 1/8 inch can leak up to 250 gallons of water per day. That water can damage drywall, flooring, insulation, and even your home’s foundation.
Additional risks of a burst pipe:
- Mold and mildew growth within 24–48 hours
- Electrical hazards if water reaches outlets or wiring
- Contaminated water exposure if sewer lines are involved
- Insurance complications if the damage is considered preventable
At A+ Services, we’ve responded to winter plumbing emergencies in Covington, Union, and throughout NKY—often when a homeowner had no idea a pipe was at risk.
How to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing
Preventing frozen pipes is one of the best things you can do to protect your home this winter. It’s also easier—and more affordable—than dealing with water damage restoration.
Top prevention tips from our licensed plumbers:
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Use foam pipe insulation on pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
- For especially cold areas, consider adding heat tape (UL-listed) for extra protection.
- Let faucets drip during extreme cold
- A slow trickle keeps water moving, which helps prevent freezing.
- Focus on faucets served by pipes along exterior walls.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks
- This lets warm air from your home reach the pipes.
- Especially helpful for bathroom or kitchen sinks on outer walls.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor valves
- Drain hoses and sprinkler lines completely.
- Use an insulated cover on hose bibs or upgrade to a frost-free model.
- Seal cracks and holes
- Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps where pipes enter the home.
- Cold air leaking through small openings can freeze pipes fast.
- Keep heat on, even if you’re away
- Set your thermostat to at least 55°F when traveling.
- Ask someone to check on your home if you’ll be gone during a cold snap.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes (Or Bursts)
If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, it may be a sign of a frozen pipe. You may also notice frost on the pipe, strange sounds, or sudden drops in water pressure.
Take these steps immediately:
- Turn off your home’s main water supply to reduce pressure.
- Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe—use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or towel soaked in warm water.
- If you notice a leak or crack, call A+ Services right away for emergency plumbing repair in Greater Cincinnati.
We’re available 24/7 with live phone support, fast dispatch times, and licensed plumbers ready to minimize the damage and restore your peace of mind.
Trusted Help for Frozen Pipes in NKY and Cincinnati
Frozen pipes don’t wait for business hours—and neither do we. At A+ Services, we’re proud to be the go-to team for honest, fast, and compassionate plumbing repair across Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region.
Why homeowners trust us:
- 24/7 emergency service, even on holidays
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Background-checked, highly trained professionals
- Expertise in plumbing, restoration, and water damage cleanup
If you suspect a frozen pipe—or want to prevent one before winter hits—contact us today to schedule an inspection or winterization service. You’ll be glad you did.
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Stay warm, stay safe—and don’t let a frozen pipe ruin your winter.