When winter settles into Central Kentucky, freezing temperatures can create more than just icy roads. One of the most common cold-weather issues homeowners face is frozen pipes. Left unchecked, frozen pipes can disrupt daily life and lead to costly water damage, typically causing two major problems.Â
First, water flow can stop completely, making everyday tasks like showering, cooking or flushing toilets difficult or impossible. Second, as water freezes and expands, pressure builds inside the pipe. That pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to flooding, structural damage and expensive repairs — especially if the pipes burst inside the home.
Thankfully, preventing frozen pipes in winter is entirely possible with some helpful tricks.
When Pipes Are Most at Risk
Pipes can begin to freeze when outdoor temperatures drop to 32° Fahrenheit or below. Homes with crawl spaces, basements or plumbing located along exterior walls are especially vulnerable. You should check that your home is well insulated, because consistently cold nights combined with poor insulation increase the risk of freezing even further.
Winter Plumbing Tips That Work
A few proactive steps can go a long way toward frozen pipe prevention during cold snaps.Â
Maintain Temperature
Keep your home’s thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even overnight or when you are away. Many home improvement professionals recommend keeping indoor temperatures at or above 55° Fahrenheit to reduce the risk of freezing.
Let Your Faucet Drip
Allowing faucets to drip during extreme cold can also help avoid freezing. There’s no need to turn on every faucet in the house. Instead, focus on those connected to exterior walls or unheated spaces. A slow, steady drip relieves pressure in the line and keeps water moving, which lowers the chance of freezing. Running water periodically throughout the day also helps during prolonged cold weather.
Keep Air Circulating
Other essential winter plumbing tips include removing outdoor hoses, closing crawl space vents and opening interior cabinet doors beneath sinks. These steps allow warmer air to circulate around exposed pipes. Insulation also plays a key role. Pipes located in unheated areas should be properly insulated to reduce heat loss and exposure to cold air.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
If you suspect frozen pipes, shut off the main water supply right away to limit potential damage. Never use open flames, space heaters or hair dryers to thaw pipes, as these methods can weaken or crack the piping. Instead, apply gentle heat using warm towels. If you cannot locate the frozen section or the pipe does not thaw, professional help from a company like GreenBox is the safest option.
Frozen pipes don’t always burst, but opening faucets can reduce pressure if ice is present. Even so, pipes can still fail and require repair, which is why quick action matters.
Call GreenBox Home Services for Peace of Mind
If frozen pipes are causing trouble or you want expert assistance in preparing your home for winter, GreenBox Home Services is here. Our licensed professionals provide honest assessments, up-front pricing and 24/7 emergency service when you need it most. Call now at (859) 927-3246, or schedule an appointment online and enjoy reliable service by good people — even on the coldest Central Kentucky days.
