Owensboro winters can bring stretches of below-freezing temperatures that put residential plumbing at serious risk. Frozen pipes can burst and cause thousands of dollars in water damage within minutes. The good news: frozen pipes are largely preventable with the right preparation. Here is a practical guide for Owensboro homeowners to protect their plumbing this winter.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?
Not all pipes in your home are equally vulnerable. Focus your prevention efforts on:
- Pipes in exterior walls — Walls facing north or directly exposed to wind are most vulnerable
- Pipes in unheated crawl spaces — Many Owensboro homes have uninsulated crawl spaces where pipes are fully exposed to winter cold
- Garage pipes — Water supply lines running through unheated garages can freeze quickly
- Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls — Cabinet doors keep warm air from reaching these pipes
- Outdoor hose bibs — These should always be shut off and drained before winter
- Attic pipes — Any supply lines running through an attic are at risk in severe cold
Before Winter Arrives: Preparation Steps
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Leaving a garden hose connected to an outdoor spigot traps water in the hose bib and supply line. Disconnect hoses, shut off the indoor valve feeding outdoor spigots, and open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water from the line.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Foam pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and available at any hardware store in Owensboro. Wrap exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and attics before temperatures drop. For pipes in extremely cold areas, consider electric heat tape that warms the pipe automatically during cold snaps.
Seal Gaps and Cracks in Exterior Walls
Cold air entering through gaps around pipes where they penetrate exterior walls dramatically increases freezing risk. Use caulk or spray foam insulation to seal any openings around pipes on exterior walls and in crawl space foundations.
Service Your Heating System
A heating system failure during a cold snap leaves your pipes unprotected. Have your furnace or heat pump serviced before winter. A tune-up can prevent a ,000 pipe burst.
During Cold Snaps: Active Protection
- Keep your thermostat at 55°F minimum when away from home or at night. The few dollars in extra heating costs are nothing compared to burst pipe damage.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm household air to circulate around the pipes.
- Let a trickle run from faucets served by pipes in vulnerable areas. Moving water is significantly harder to freeze than standing water.
- Know where your main shut-off valve is before you need it. In an emergency, shutting off water quickly is critical.
If You Will Be Away from Home
Never turn your heat completely off in winter if there is any risk of freezing temperatures. Keep the thermostat at 55°F or above. If you will be gone for an extended period, consider shutting off the main water supply and draining the pipes. Ask a neighbor to check your home periodically if possible.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze Anyway
If a pipe freezes despite your precautions, shut off the main water valve immediately, open the faucet to relieve pressure, and apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or warm towels to thaw the pipe slowly. Never use open flame to thaw pipes.
If you cannot locate or safely access the frozen pipe, call a licensed plumber immediately. A frozen pipe that has not yet burst is an emergency — but a much easier one to solve than a burst pipe.
For 24/7 emergency plumbing service in Owensboro including frozen and burst pipes, our team is always available. Visit our emergency plumbing page or call (270) 518-8732 any time.
Preparation is everything when it comes to winter pipe protection. If you’re dealing with frozen pipes right now, visit our frozen pipes emergency page for immediate steps, or call Honest Plumbing at (270) 518-8732 for 24/7 emergency service. We also recommend checking your water heater before each winter season.