The Most Common Emergency Plumbing Calls We Get Each Winter in Kutztown
Winter in Kutztown, PA brings freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and plenty of stress on your home’s plumbing system. While many homeowners expect the usual cold-weather issues—like icy sidewalks or drafty windows—plumbing problems often catch people off guard.
No Hot Water / Water Heater Failure
This is by far our #1 winter plumbing emergency.
Cold temperatures force water heaters to work harder, and if your unit is old or has sediment buildup, it may not keep up. We often get calls from residents experiencing:
No hot water at all
Water that turns cold halfway through a shower
Rattling or rumbling noises
Water heaters leaking from the bottom
Pilot lights that won’t stay lit
Winter is when weak heating elements, failing burners, or cracked dip tubes finally give out.
Tip to prevent it:
Flush your tank annually and have it inspected before temperatures drop. This extends the lifespan and reduces winter breakdowns.
Frozen Outdoor Spigots (Hose Bibs)
You don’t need crawl-space access to get frozen spigot emergencies.
Every winter, we get calls from Kutztown homeowners who discover:
A frozen outdoor spigot
No water flow from an outdoor faucet
Water leaking inside the wall after a thaw
If the hose wasn’t removed or the shutoff valve wasn’t closed, the line can freeze and burst.
Tip to prevent it:
Remove garden hoses, drain the spigot, and use insulated covers.
Frozen or Partially Frozen Water Lines
Even without crawl spaces, pipes in:
Garages
Unheated basements
Mechanical rooms
Mudrooms
Behind exterior walls
can freeze and cause pressure buildup or sudden leaks.
Signs include:
Sudden drop in water pressure
Only hot or only cold water working
Sputtering faucets
Strange noises behind walls
Tip to prevent it:
Open cabinet doors, keep moderate heat in the home, and insulate exposed lines.
Burst Pipes From Sudden Thawing
This emergency usually happens after a freeze.
Once temperatures rise again, homeowners discover:
Water spraying from a pipe
Ceiling leaks
Basement puddles
High water bills from unnoticed leaks
Even a tiny crack can release gallons of water quickly.
Tip to prevent it:
If you suspect a frozen line, shut off the water before it warms up.
Kitchen Drain Clogs After Holiday Cooking
Winter = holiday meals. Holiday meals = grease. Grease = clogged drains.
We get a rush of calls for:
Backed-up kitchen sinks
Slow drains
Garbage disposal jams
Grease blockages in the horizontal line
Cold weather thickens fats, oils, and grease, causing them to solidify much faster.
Tip to prevent it:
Never pour grease down the drain—wipe pans with a paper towel instead.
Backed-Up Toilets From Increased Household Traffic
Winter brings:
Holiday gatherings
Kids home from school
Family staying for extended visits
More usage = more blockages.
Most winter toilet emergencies are caused by:
Partial sewer line blockages
Flushable wipes (not actually flushable)
Older low-flow toilets
Excess paper usage
Tip to prevent it:
Avoid flushable wipes and monitor kids’ flushing habits.
Well Pump Not Running or Producing Low Pressure
Winter brings:
Holiday gatherings
Kids home from school
Family staying for extended visits
More usage = more blockages.
Most winter toilet emergencies are caused by:
Partial sewer line blockages
Flushable wipes (not actually flushable)
Older low-flow toilets
Excess paper usage
Tip to prevent it:
Avoid flushable wipes and monitor kids’ flushing habits.
Leaking Water Heaters
Winter is the season when older tanks finally give out.
Why leaks increase in winter:
Metal contracts in cold temperatures
Tanks cycle more frequently
Sediment expands when heated, stressing the tank
Higher household usage increases wear
A leaking water heater often means it’s time for a replacement.
Tip to prevent it:
If your heater is 10–15 years old, have it inspected before the coldest months.
Sump Pump Discharge Lines Freezing
Even if your pump is working, the discharge line outside can freeze and block drainage.
Signs include:
Pump running constantly
Pump tripping the breaker
Water backing up near the pit
Flooding during freeze/thaw cycles
Tip to prevent it:
Use freeze-resistant drainage and ensure the line slopes properly.
Winter Is Tough on Kutztown Plumbing Systems
Winter brings a unique set of challenges for homeowners in Kutztown. While some issues are unavoidable, most emergencies start as small things that could’ve been prevented with simple maintenance.
If you notice:
Low pressure
No hot water
Frozen fixtures
Leaks
Unusual sounds
it’s best to get ahead of the issue before it becomes an emergency.
