When the cold sets in across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, it doesn’t just chill the air—it can wreak havoc on your plumbing. One of the most urgent winter plumbing emergencies we see at A+ Services is burst pipes due to freezing temperatures. If you’ve ever dealt with water gushing from a wall or ceiling on a freezing morning, you know how fast panic sets in.
But here’s the good news: frozen pipes—and the costly damage they bring—are preventable. In this post, we’ll explain why frozen pipes burst, how to prevent it, and what to do if disaster strikes.
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What causes frozen pipes to burst?
It’s a common winter question: Why do frozen pipes actually burst? It’s not just the ice inside causing a blockage—it’s science in action.
When water freezes, it expands. Pipes—especially those made of copper, PVC, or PEX—don’t have much give. As the ice grows, it increases pressure inside the pipe. If the ice creates a full blockage, pressure builds between the ice plug and your closed faucet. Eventually, the pipe can’t hold it—and it bursts.
Key facts to know:
- Pipes most likely to freeze are along exterior walls, in unheated basements, garages, or crawl spaces.
- Even a small crack (as little as 1/8 inch) can release 250+ gallons of water per day.
- Pipes can burst before you even realize they’re frozen—often overnight or while you’re away.
Want to know how cold it has to be for pipes to freeze? Typically, 32°F or below for a few hours can start the process—especially in poorly insulated areas.
How to prevent pipes from freezing in the first place
Here in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, temps can drop fast—so prevention is key. The best strategy? Start prepping before the first freeze hits.
Here are a few ways to protect your plumbing:
1. Insulate vulnerable pipes
- Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape on exposed pipes in attics, basements, and garages.
- Seal cracks or gaps in walls and foundations near pipes to block drafts.
2. Keep warm air circulating
- Open cabinet doors under sinks (especially on exterior walls) to let warm air in.
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if you’re away from home.
3. Let faucets drip
- A slow, steady drip on the coldest nights keeps water moving—reducing the chance of freezing.
- Focus on faucets connected to exposed or vulnerable pipes.
4. Shut off and drain outdoor water lines
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots from the inside shut-off valve.
- Drain sprinkler systems before the first freeze.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which pipes in your home are most at risk, schedule a plumbing inspection with A+ Services—we’ll identify and winterize them properly.
What to do if your pipes are frozen (but haven’t burst yet)
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out—or nothing at all—you may have a frozen pipe. Don’t panic, but do act fast:
- Turn off the main water supply to prevent pressure buildup.
- Keep faucets open—this helps relieve pressure and allows thawed water to escape.
- Use safe heat:
- Apply a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels to the frozen section.
- Never use an open flame or blowtorch—it’s a major fire risk.
- Check for leaks once the pipe starts to thaw—if a pipe cracked, you’ll see water once it melts.
Still no luck thawing it? Don’t risk it bursting—call A+ Services for emergency plumbing help.
What to do if a frozen pipe bursts
A burst pipe is an emergency—especially when it’s dumping hundreds of gallons into your home. The most important thing is acting quickly to limit water damage.
Here’s what to do immediately:
1. Shut off your main water supply.
Know where your main valve is (usually in the basement or utility room) and how to turn it off fast.
2. Turn off electricity in the affected area.
If water is near outlets or electrical panels, shut off power to avoid shock risk.
3. Call for emergency help.
Contact A+ Services—we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing repair throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.
4. Start water damage cleanup.
Use towels, wet vacs, or buckets to remove standing water, and open windows or use fans to begin drying.
If the damage is extensive, our water damage restoration team can step in immediately with industrial drying and mold prevention.
Why Choose A+ Services for Frozen and Burst Pipe Emergencies?
When you’re dealing with water pouring from the ceiling at 2 a.m., you don’t have time to shop around. You need honest, fast, and local help—and that’s exactly what A+ Services delivers.
We’re trusted across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati for:
✅ 24/7 live emergency response
✅ Licensed, background-checked technicians
✅ Upfront pricing with no surprises
✅ Expert water extraction and restoration
✅ Long-term plumbing solutions—not just quick fixes
We’ve helped thousands of families through frozen pipe emergencies and winter water damage. Our goal? Protect your home and restore your peace of mind.
Don’t Let a Frozen Pipe Turn into a Disaster
The best time to deal with frozen pipes is before they happen. With a little planning—and a trusted team on call—you can stay warm, safe, and dry all winter long.
If you’re worried about vulnerable pipes, or you’re dealing with a frozen or burst pipe right now, call A+ Services for immediate help.