How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During Chicago Winters

Frozen pipes are one of the most common and most preventable plumbing emergencies in Chicago. Every winter, I get dozens of calls from homeowners whose pipes have frozen and, in many cases, burst. A burst pipe can dump hundreds of gallons of water into your home in a matter of hours. I have seen frozen pipes cause $10,000, $20,000, even $50,000 in water damage. And most of it could have been prevented.

I have been thawing frozen pipes on Chicago's South Side for decades. Here is what actually works to protect your home.

Why Chicago Pipes Freeze

Pipes freeze when the temperature of the water inside them drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. But here is what most people do not realize: pipes can freeze even when the outdoor temperature is well above 32 degrees. That is because pipes in unheated spaces, like crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls, can be much colder than the air outside. Wind chill makes it worse. A 20 degree day with strong winds can freeze exposed pipes faster than a calm 10 degree night.

Chicago's older homes are especially vulnerable. Many South Side homes built in the early 1900s have pipes running through uninsulated exterior walls, unheated porches, and exposed crawl spaces. These are the pipes that freeze first.

Insulate Your Pipes

The single most effective prevention measure is pipe insulation. Foam pipe insulation sleeves are cheap, usually a few dollars for a six foot section, and easy to install. Focus on pipes in these locations: unheated basements and crawl spaces, exterior walls (especially on the north side of your home), under kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls, in the attic or near the roof, and in the garage.

Pay special attention to any pipe that has frozen before. If it froze once, it will freeze again unless you change something.

Keep the Heat On

Never let your home's temperature drop below 55 degrees, even if you are going away for the weekend or leaving for a vacation. I know Chicago gas bills are expensive, but a burst pipe will cost you far more than a few extra dollars in heating. If you are going to be away for an extended period, consider having a trusted neighbor check on your home daily or install a smart thermostat that alerts you if the temperature drops.

Let Faucets Drip

When the temperature drops below 20 degrees, let your faucets drip slightly. Running water, even a slow trickle, does not freeze as easily as standing water. Focus on faucets fed by pipes that run through exterior walls or unheated spaces. Yes, it wastes a small amount of water. But the cost of a few gallons of water is nothing compared to the cost of a burst pipe repair and water damage restoration.

Open Cabinet Doors

On especially cold nights, open the cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially those on exterior walls. This allows the warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes. It is a simple step that makes a real difference.

Seal Drafts and Cracks

Cold air infiltration through cracks in your foundation, around windows, and through exterior walls can drop the temperature around your pipes below freezing. Check your basement and crawl space for drafts. Seal any cracks or gaps with caulk or spray foam insulation. Pay attention to where pipes, wires, or cables enter your home from outside. Those penetrations are common draft sources.

Disconnect Garden Hoses

Before the first freeze, disconnect and drain all outdoor garden hoses. Shut off the interior valve that feeds your outdoor spigots and open the outdoor faucet to let any remaining water drain out. A frozen garden hose can create pressure that backs up into your home's plumbing and bursts an indoor pipe.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, or only a trickle flows, you likely have a frozen pipe. Here is what to do and what not to do.

Do: keep the faucet open so water can flow through once the pipe thaws. Do: apply gentle heat to the frozen section using a hair dryer, heat lamp, or warm towels. Do: check other faucets in your home to identify all frozen pipes. Do: call a professional if you cannot locate the frozen section or if you suspect the pipe has burst.

Do not: use a blowtorch, propane heater, or any open flame to thaw pipes. This is a fire hazard and can also cause the pipe to burst from sudden expansion. Do not: use electric space heaters in standing water. Do not: ignore a frozen pipe and assume it will thaw on its own. It might. Or it might burst inside your wall at 4 AM.

When Frozen Becomes Burst

If a frozen pipe bursts, you need to act fast. Shut off the main water supply to your home immediately. Every homeowner should know where their main shut off valve is before an emergency happens. Then call us. We provide 24/7 emergency service for burst pipes and can often be at your home within a few hours, even in the worst winter weather.

Preparation Is Everything

The best time to prepare for frozen pipes is before winter arrives. Schedule a plumbing inspection in the fall. We will check your exposed pipes, identify vulnerable areas, and recommend insulation or rerouting where needed. A fall inspection costs a fraction of a winter emergency repair.

Burris and Sons has been protecting Chicago homes from frozen pipes for over 100 years. Call 773-375-4123 for a winter preparation inspection or 24/7 emergency service when the worst happens.