LEXINGTON, Ky. — Concerns are growing around water pressure systems this winter. Now, below-freezing temperatures are bursting water pipes in homes and businesses around the commonwealth.

What You Need To Know

  • Water pipe systems around Kentucky are experiencing increased bursts amid the cold weather

  • Fluctuating temperatures are causing frozen systems to fill with more water pressure

  • Lexington Fire and Emergency Department Station 11 are among the 24 area stations helping with the water issues

  • Responders say the community can help by learning the location of water valves and pipes in and outside of homes

Communities across Kentucky experienced extreme weather drops plus a mix of snow and ice over the past week. With temperatures now rising, what was once frozen is turning into free-flowing water. 

“They’ve had a lot of breaks and caused a lot of flooding in different areas and businesses you know around in this area and a constant state of incidents we have had to come across,” Lexington Fire Department and Station 11 Major David Davis said.

Lexington firefighters are the first line of defense when pipes burst in cold temperatures. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

The fire department rotates stations to handle increasing reports. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

Davis and his team are among the stations taking on the recent pipe bursts around the city.

“Because of the pressure buildup, pipes burst water everywhere and the only way to stop them is to fix where it is. First you got to shut down the problem,” Davis said. 

He says the actual difference comes once frozen water melts, causing the increased pressure. 

“What happens is once the water freezes, that’s kind of the easy part of warming up and it is not above freezing right now, but when you get direct sunlight on residences, that’s enough to start thawing some of these waters out,” Davis said. 

On Christmas eve, the Monticello Fire Department responded to over 5,000 gallons of water leaking into the Wayne County Public Library, damaging over 3,000 books. Davis says the work can be very challenging, especially in the cold weather. 

The Wayne County Public Library flooded with over 5,000 gallons of water. (Monticello Fire Department)

Monticello Fire Department responded to nearly 5,000 gal of water damage at Wayne County Public Library. (Monticello Fire Department)

“We have 24 stations here in Lexington. It was so busy the last three days, so we have to limit the number of companies that we would typically send to one of these responses to one engine or one letter at a time and makes a run and we leave and get other personnel just driving around in pickup trucks and SUVs and have the water cut off tools,” Davis explained. 

Davis says anywhere you have pipes in your home should be exposed to warm air. “Open up your cabinet doors, and let the heat in.” Or even leave a water faucet running if the temperature drops. 

The department says individuals can help by knowing their home and its water shut-off valves in case of an emergency. 

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