How To Protect Your Pipes During Chicago’s Coldest Months
Chicago winters are as harsh as they come. Subzero temperatures, ice storms, and heavy snowfall create the perfect conditions for frozen and burst pipes. If not caught quickly, these problems can lead to flooding, structural damage, and sky-high repair bills. That’s why winter pipe protection is so important. Here’s how to protect pipes from freezing and what to do if they’re already frozen.
6 Tips To Prevent Pipes From Freezing
With a little planning, you can prevent a mid-winter plumbing crisis. Here are six tried-and-true pipe freeze prevention tips:
- Insulate pipes for winter: Wrapping pipes in foam insulation or applying heat tape is a simple way to protect them. Focus on unheated areas like the basement, garage, or crawl space where pipes are most vulnerable.
- Seal leaks and cracks: Cold air seeps into your home through gaps around windows, doors, and wall penetrations. Seal off drafts using caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam.
- Keep the heat on: An important frozen pipe prevention tip is never letting your home’s temperature drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you’re away for the holidays.
- Take extra precautions in freezing weather: On bitterly cold nights, open cabinet doors and leave faucets dripping to move water through the pipes, making freezing less likely.
- Disconnect garden hoses: Leaving hoses attached to outdoor spigots can cause water to freeze and back up into your pipes. Drain and store hoses for winter, and cover spigots with insulating caps.
- Close the garage door: If water lines run through your garage, keeping the door closed is an easy cold-weather pipe protection tip.
Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen
Not sure if your pipes are frozen? Watch for these telltale signs:
- Reduced water flow: Turn on your faucets to full blast. If water trickles out — or doesn’t flow at all — ice may be blocking the pipe.
- Frosty pipes: Visible frost on exposed plumbing is a dead giveaway that freezing has occurred. This is most common in garages, unfinished basements, or other unheated spaces.
- Strange odors: A partially blocked frozen pipe may emit unpleasant smells. Ice creates pressure imbalances, allowing odors to escape the drain.
- Unusual noises: Listen for banging or clanking sounds when you turn on the water, which could indicate ice moving or pressure building in the pipes.
What To Do if Your Pipes Freeze or Burst
Sometimes, despite your best efforts to prevent frozen pipes, winter still wins. Follow these steps if your pipes freeze or burst:
- Turn on affected faucets: Leave the tap on when dealing with a frozen pipe. As the ice begins to thaw, water flow will help melt the remaining ice and relieve pressure.
- Apply gentle heat: Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels to thaw the frozen section of the pipe. Start at the faucet and work toward the frozen area.
- Shut off the water: If you suspect a burst pipe, locate your home’s main water valve and shut it off to prevent further flooding.
- Clean up water quickly: If a pipe bursts, remove the water with towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or a mop to minimize damage.
- Call an emergency plumber: While DIY methods are effective for minor freezing and exposed pipes, some situations require expert help. If you can’t locate the frozen pipe or your thawing efforts aren’t working, it’s time to call the pros.
Contact Cahill for 24/7 Plumbing Repairs
For winter plumbing maintenance and repairs in the greater Chicago area, look no further than Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing & Sewer. With over 50 years of experience, we know how to handle the toughest cold-weather challenges. Plus, our plumbers are available 24/7, so you’re never left out in the cold.
Call us today for more burst pipe prevention tips or to schedule emergency plumbing repairs.
