Winter in Chicagoland can be brutal, and with freezing temperatures comes the risk of frozen pipes and potential water damage. Bursting pipes can cause thousands of dollars in repairs and untold damage to your home’s structure. The good news? With a few preventive steps, you can actually safeguard your home from the risks of frozen pipes and avoid costly water damage.
Here are steps we recommend to protect your home as the temperatures plummet.
1. Insulate Pipes in Vulnerable Areas
One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to ensure that they are properly insulated. This is especially recommended for any pipes located in unheated or exposed areas of your home, like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages.
Use Pipe Insulation: Foam pipe insulation is an affordable and effective solution to protect your pipes. Make sure to wrap all exposed pipes thoroughly, especially if they’re close to exterior walls where drafts are common.
Consider Heat Tape or Heat Cables: For pipes in particularly cold areas, heat tape or cables can add an extra layer of protection by providing consistent warmth to the pipes. These can be installed along the length of the pipe to prevent freezing, but they should always be installed according to the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Seal Drafty Areas: Check around doors, windows, and any noticeable gaps in your home’s foundation where cold air can seep in. Sealing these drafty areas not only helps with energy efficiency but also keeps exposed pipes warmer.
2. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water Lines
Outdoor water lines are especially susceptible to freezing. Every year our team is called for water damage as a result of homeowners failing to properly prepare these lines for winter. This simple yet often overlooked task can lead to frozen pipes, leaks, or even bursts that can cause significant water damage.
Shut Off Outdoor Faucets: Before the first big freeze, disconnect any hoses and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets. This prevents water from being trapped inside the pipes, where it could freeze and expand, leading to bursts.
Drain Sprinkler Systems: If you have an irrigation system at your home or business, make sure it’s drained before the temperature drops. You may need to hire a professional to blow out the lines to ensure all water is removed, as any leftover moisture can freeze and crack pipes underground.
Cover Outdoor Faucets: To add an extra layer of protection, use faucet covers or insulated bags on outdoor spigots to prevent freezing.
3. Keep Your Home Warm
Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home is crucial during the winter months, and not just for your comfort. Even a slight drop in temperature can cause your pipes to freeze if they’re in unheated or poorly insulated areas.
Set Your Thermostat: Keep your home’s thermostat set at a minimum of 55°F, even when you’re not home. While it may be tempting to lower the heat when you leave town for a vacation to save on energy costs, maintaining a steady temperature helps prevent frozen pipes. Few things ruin that holiday cheer faster than coming home to a flooded home.
Open Interior Doors: Allow warm air to circulate throughout your home by keeping interior doors open. This is particularly important for doors leading to areas with plumbing, such as kitchen cabinets or bathroom sinks. If these pipes are located on exterior walls, you want to ensure they receive enough heat to stay warm.
Let Faucets Drip: In extremely cold weather (which is common in the Chicagoland area), leaving a faucet slightly open can help prevent freezing. A small trickle of water keeps the water moving through the pipes and relieves pressure, which can prevent a pipe from bursting if it freezes.
4. Know the Signs of Frozen Pipes
Despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze in extremely cold weather. It’s important to recognize the early signs of a frozen pipe so you can take action before it bursts.
Low Water Pressure: One of the first signs of a frozen pipe is a noticeable drop in water pressure. If you turn on a faucet and only a small amount of water comes out, it could indicate that a pipe is frozen.
Frost on Pipes: If you can access your pipes, look for frost buildup. Frost on the exterior of a pipe is a clear sign that the water inside is freezing.
Unusual Smells: Frozen pipes can sometimes cause odors to back up into your home. If you notice strange smells coming from your drains, it may indicate a blockage caused by freezing.
5. What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze
If you suspect that your pipes have frozen, act quickly to minimize the damage.
Turn Off the Water: Shut off the main water supply to your home to prevent pressure buildup in the pipes.
Thaw the Pipe Safely: You can try to thaw the frozen pipe by applying gentle heat, such as using a hairdryer or space heater. Never use an open flame, as this poses a fire risk. If you’re unsure, it’s best to call a professional.
Call the Pros for Water Damage Remediation
Even with careful preparation, water damage from frozen or burst pipes can still occur. If your home suffers from water damage this winter, don’t delay in calling the experts at STOP Restoration. Our team specializes in water damage prevention and remediation, helping you restore your home quickly and safely.
Contact us today for a free inspection and quote! Protect your home this winter and avoid the costly consequences of frozen pipes.
