How to Prevent Frozen Pipes (and What to Do If They Freeze)

Pipes and fittings displaying severe freeze damage, with clear splits caused by the internal pressure of expanding ice.

When temperatures drop below freezing — especially for extended periods and when combined with strong winds — frozen pipes become one of the most common and costly winter plumbing problems. At DBS Plumbing Solutions, we see frozen and burst pipes every winter, and the good news is: many of them are preventable with a little planning and a few simple steps.

Here’s what you can do to protect your home, what to watch for during cold snaps, and what to do if your pipes freeze.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes Before Cold Weather Hits

A little preparation goes a long way. These steps are easiest (and most effective) before freezing temperatures arrive:

Insulate Exposed Pipes

• Insulate water lines in crawlspaces, basements, attics, garages, and utility rooms

• Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls

• Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install

Stop Drafts (This Is Huge!)

• Cold air moving across pipes is one of the biggest causes of freezing.

• Seal gaps around sill plates, rim joists, and foundation penetrations

• Caulk or spray foam around pipe and wire penetrations

• Check around hose bibs, crawlspace vents, and basement windows

Avoid Water Lines in Exterior Walls

• If your home has plumbing in exterior walls, those pipes are much more vulnerable.

• If you’re remodeling or having plumbing work done, ask about rerouting lines

• In many cases, we can move water lines into interior walls for better freeze protection

What to Do Now That Cold Weather Is Here

When it’s already freezing, focus on protecting the most vulnerable areas:

Protect High-Risk Pipe Locations

These are the pipes most likely to freeze:

• Exterior walls

• Crawlspaces

• Basements that aren’t fully heated

• Attics

• Garages

• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls

Open Base Cabinets

Opening cabinet doors allows warm air to circulate around plumbing, especially under sinks on exterior walls.

Let Faucets Trickle (Hot AND Cold)

• Let both hot and cold water run at a slow trickle

• Flowing water is much less likely to freeze

• Once full flow is restored after a partial freeze, you can reduce back to a trickle

Block Cold Drafts

If you feel cold air, your pipes feel it too.

• Use towels, foam, plastic, or temporary seals

• Even a simple towel can help block cold airflow in a pinch

Use Space Heaters Carefully

If it’s safe to do so:

• Place a space heater near vulnerable piping

• Never leave heaters unattended

• Keep heaters away from flammable materials

• Safety always comes first.

If Your Pipes Are Already Frozen

The goal is to gently warm the pipes and surrounding area:

• Use a space heater (only if safe)

• Use a hair dryer on exposed pipe

• Open walls, cabinets, or access panels to allow warm air in

⚠️ Important: Both hot and cold water lines can freeze. In fact, we often see hot water lines freeze and burst more frequently than cold lines.

What Happens When Pipes Freeze?

When water freezes, it expands. Since your plumbing system is always full and under pressure, frozen water creates stress inside the pipe. That pressure can cause:

• Cracks

• Splits

• Full pipe bursts

Not every frozen pipe will fail — but the longer it stays frozen, the higher the risk. The quicker you react, the better your chances of avoiding damage.

Which Pipes Hold Up Best?

From our experience:

1. PEX – Most flexible and most likely to survive freezing

2. Copper – Moderate risk

3. CPVC – Highest risk of cracking or bursting

How Do I Know If My Pipes Are Frozen?

Common signs include:

• Little to no water at one or more faucets

• Water reduced to a trickle

• Only hot or only cold water working

If water is trickling, leave it running. Movement can help melt partial ice blockages and prevent full freezes.

Can DBS Help If My Pipes Freeze?

Yes. We can typically:

• Trace down where the freeze is located

• Thaw pipes using a professional pipe thawing machine (which safely sends controlled electrical current through metal piping to gently heat and thaw it)

• Use heat tools where appropriate

• Open walls if necessary to safely access frozen sections

The goal is to restore flow and minimize the risk of pipe failure.

What If a Pipe Bursts?

Often, pipes don’t leak until they thaw.

If you discover a leak:

1. Look for a local shutoff valve to isolate that area (if available)

2. If not, shut off your main water valve

3. Call DBS Plumbing Solutions right away

Quick action can greatly reduce water damage.

Important: Keep Heat On (Even When You’re Away)

One of the biggest causes of frozen pipes is turning heat too low or off.

• Keep your home heated, even if you’re not there

• For vacation homes or unoccupied rentals:

  • Run the heat OR

  • Have the home professionally winterized

    • Draining water lines

    • Clearing the system as best as possible

    • Adding antifreeze to traps

We’re Here to Help

Frozen pipes are stressful, but with the right prevention and fast action, many problems can be avoided. If you’re concerned about vulnerable pipes, drafts, or plumbing in exterior walls, our team is happy to take a look and help you reduce your risk before the next cold snap.

DBS Plumbing Solutions is proud to serve Northern Kentucky — Campbell, Boone, and Kenton Counties. If you have questions or need help, give us a call. We’re here to help keep your home protected all winter long.