When temperatures drop below freezing in Wichita, your home is at risk.
And one of the most expensive winter disasters?
Frozen pipes.
Most homeowners don’t think about their plumbing until there’s water pouring through the ceiling. By then, the damage is already done.
At On Time Services, we see frozen pipe emergencies every winter. The good news? Most of them could have been prevented.
Let’s break down what causes frozen pipes, the warning signs to watch for, and what to do before it turns into a $10,000 repair.
Why Pipes Freeze in Wichita Winters
When temperatures drop below 32°F, any pipe that isn’t properly insulated becomes vulnerable. This usually includes:
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Pipes in crawl spaces
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Garage plumbing lines
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Exterior-facing walls
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Basement pipes near foundation walls
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Outdoor hose bibs
Here’s what actually happens.
Water expands when it freezes. As ice forms inside your pipe, pressure builds. That pressure has nowhere to go.
Eventually, the pipe cracks.
Sometimes the break is small. Sometimes it splits wide open. Either way, once temperatures rise and the ice melts, water starts flowing. And it doesn’t stop.
The Early Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes
Most pipe bursts don’t happen without warning.
Keep an eye out for:
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Little or no water coming from a faucet
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Frost forming on exposed pipes
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Strange banging or gurgling sounds
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A foul smell coming from drains
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Visible cracks in exposed piping
If you notice any of these signs, act fast.
The longer a pipe stays frozen, the greater the risk of a rupture.
What to Do If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe
First, don’t panic.
Second, don’t ignore it.
Here’s what you should do immediately:
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Turn on the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. This relieves pressure.
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Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels.
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Never use an open flame. No torches. No propane heaters.
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Keep the faucet open while thawing.
If you can’t locate the frozen section or water won’t flow after thawing attempts, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
On Time Services provides fast plumbing repairs in Wichita and surrounding areas. We’ll safely thaw the pipe and inspect for hidden cracks before they turn into major leaks.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
Here’s your emergency checklist:
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Shut off the main water valve immediately.
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Turn off electricity in affected areas if safe.
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Call a licensed plumber.
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Begin drying the area to prevent mold growth.
Even a small crack can release hundreds of gallons of water in hours.
The faster you act, the less damage you’ll have to repair.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in the First Place
The smartest move? Prevention.
Here’s how Wichita homeowners can reduce risk:
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and highly effective.
Seal Drafts
Cold air sneaks in through cracks in your foundation, windows, and sill plates.
Keep Cabinet Doors Open
Allow warm air to circulate around kitchen and bathroom plumbing.
Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
Moving water freezes slower than standing water.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Water left in hose bibs is a common freeze point.
Schedule a Winter Plumbing Inspection
A professional inspection can identify vulnerable areas before freezing temperatures hit.
Why Frozen Pipes Cost More Than You Think
Most homeowners think the problem is just the pipe.
It’s not.
It’s drywall repair.
Floor replacement.
Mold remediation.
Electrical damage.
Insurance claims.
The average frozen pipe repair can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars in secondary damage.
That’s why early action is critical.
Wichita’s Trusted Plumbing Experts
At On Time Services, we’ve helped homeowners across Wichita, KS prevent and repair frozen pipe disasters for years.
Our licensed plumbers respond quickly, diagnose the issue correctly, and fix it the right way the first time.
Whether you need emergency plumbing repair or want to winter-proof your home before the next cold front, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait until water is pouring through your ceiling.
Call On Time Services today and protect your home from frozen pipe damage.
