How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

When temperatures drop, frozen pipes become one of the most common — and costly — winter plumbing problems. Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if pipes freeze can save you from serious water damage, expensive repairs, and major disruptions to your home. Here’s what every homeowner should know as we face another cold and bitter Cincinnati winter.

Why Frozen Pipes Are So Dangerous in Winter

Pipes freeze when water inside them is exposed to prolonged cold temperatures. As water freezes, it expands, placing intense pressure on the pipe walls. This pressure often leads to frozen pipe bursts, especially in older plumbing or uninsulated areas. Common places where pipes freeze:

Basements and crawl spaces
Exterior walls
Garages
Under kitchen and bathroom sinks

Frozen pipes in winter don’t always burst immediately — sometimes the worst damage happens when the ice begins to thaw.

What Happens When Pipes Freeze?

When pipes freeze, several problems can occur:

Blocked water flow prevents faucets and fixtures from working
Cracked or burst pipes release water once the ice melts
Hidden leaks cause damage behind walls or ceilings
Severe water damageaffects flooring, drywall, and personal belongings

Even a small frozen pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short period, making frozen pipes damage one of the most expensive winter plumbing issues.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

The good news? Many frozen pipe problems are preventable. These winter plumbing tips can help protect your home and give you peace of mind:

Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas
Seal air leaks near pipes along exterior walls
Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate
Let faucets drip during extreme cold to relieve pressure
Maintain consistent indoor temperatures, even when away

If you’re unsure which pipes are most at risk, a professional plumbing inspection can help identify problem areas before freezing occurs.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you suspect frozen pipes, it’s important to act quickly:

Turn off the water supply to prevent flooding
Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure
Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer or space heater (never open flames)
Avoid forcing water through the pipe

If you can’t locate the frozen section or notice leaks, call our team immediately at 859-295-5030. Delaying repairs increases the risk of a burst pipe and costly damage.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Some frozen pipe situations require expert help right away. Contact a professional plumber if:

Pipes remain frozen after warming attempts
You notice water stains or active leaks
A pipe has already burst
You’re unsure where the frozen section is located

Plumb Tite provides fast, reliable service for frozen and burst pipes, helping homeowners minimize damage and restore normal water flow quickly.

Protect Your Home This Winter With Plumb Tite

Frozen pipes can cause major stress during the coldest months of the year, but the right preparation makes all the difference. From preventive inspections to emergency plumbing repairs, Plumb Tite is here to help protect your home all winter long.

Call us today at 859-295-5030 or schedule a service online to prepare your plumbing for the rest of winter’s freezing temperatures.

What Happens When Pipes Freeze (and How to Protect Your Home This Winter)