When winter cold sweeps through Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, frozen pipes can turn a peaceful night into an expensive plumbing emergency. A burst pipe can leak hundreds of gallons in hours, causing water damage, mold growth, and major repair bills.
The good news? A little preparation now can protect your home all season long. Here’s how to safeguard your plumbing before the next cold snap.
Table of Contents
1. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Outdoor plumbing is the first to freeze—and the easiest to protect. Before temperatures dip below freezing:
- Disconnect garden hoses from spigots and store them indoors.
- Drain water from exterior faucets by shutting off the interior supply valve (usually found in the basement) and opening the outdoor spigot to let water run out.
- Install insulated faucet covers to keep residual water from freezing in the pipe.
Pro tip: Even “frost-proof” faucets can burst if hoses are left attached.
2. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipes in unheated or drafty areas—like basements, garages, attics, and crawlspaces—are most at risk. Protect them with:
- Foam pipe insulation sleeves (affordable and easy to install)
- Heat tape or heat cables for especially cold-prone lines
- Sealing air leaks near where pipes run through walls or foundations
In Covington, Florence, and other NKY homes with older plumbing, insulating exposed copper or PVC lines can be the difference between a dry winter and a flooded basement.
3. Keep Water Moving on Extra Cold Nights
Standing water freezes faster than moving water. When temperatures drop into the teens:
- Let cold and hot water trickle from faucets served by exposed pipes
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
- Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night
This small amount of wasted water is far cheaper than emergency pipe repairs.
4. Know When to Call for Emergency Plumbing Help
Even with preparation, extreme cold can cause pipes to freeze. Call a licensed plumber right away if you notice:
- No water coming from a faucet
- A visible bulge or frost on a pipe
- Water pooling under sinks or in the basement
- Unexplained drops in water pressure
If a pipe bursts, shut off your home’s main water supply immediately and contact A+ Services for 24/7 emergency plumbing repair in Northern Kentucky or Greater Cincinnati.
5. Make Plumbing Winter-Ready All Year
Winterizing your plumbing isn’t just a December chore—it’s an annual habit. Each fall, run through this checklist:
- Drain and shut off outdoor faucets
- Add insulation to exposed pipes
- Seal foundation cracks and air gaps
- Test your sump pump before heavy snow or rain
- Schedule a plumbing inspection to catch hidden issues early
A little prevention goes a long way toward protecting your home, especially during the unpredictable Ohio Valley winters.
Stay Warm, Stay Dry—We’re Here When You Need Us
At A+ Services, we’ve helped homeowners in Burlington, Independence, Newport, West Chester, and beyond keep their plumbing safe through freezing weather. Whether you need help winterizing now or urgent repairs during a cold snap, our licensed, background-checked plumbers are just a call away—24/7.
Don’t wait until the first freeze. Schedule your plumbing winterization service today and enjoy a worry-free winter.