Columbus, Ohio – Winter officially arrives Sunday with the winter solstice, and across Ohio the shift marks a stretch of colder, more persistent cold that can quickly turn into costly problems for homeowners. In Columbus and much of central Ohio, frozen and bursting pipes remain one of the most common winter emergencies once temperatures begin dipping overnight and staying cold longer.
According to the National Weather Service and Ohio emergency management officials, repeated cold snaps — not just one bitter night — increase the risk of pipes freezing, especially in unheated garages, basements, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls. Fire officials across the state also warn that unsafe thawing methods can trigger house fires.
In Columbus neighborhoods, residents are urged to insulate exposed pipes, seal drafts around vents and access doors, and keep thermostats set no lower than the mid-50s, even when away. Letting faucets drip slightly and opening cabinet doors can help warm air circulate around plumbing. Officials stress never using open flames, propane heaters, or blowtorches to thaw frozen pipes.
As Ohio heads deeper into winter and January brings more frequent cold snaps, preparedness now can prevent emergencies later. Authorities say additional cold weather advisories are likely as winter settles in, and residents should continue monitoring local alerts through the coming weeks.
