When temperatures in Lombard drop into the single digits, the water inside your pipes can freeze, expand and split the pipe wide open. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home before you even notice. The good news: a little preparation in the fall goes a long way.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?
Pipes freeze where cold air reaches them. In DuPage County homes, the usual trouble spots are:
- Pipes running along exterior walls, especially behind kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Plumbing in unheated garages, crawl spaces and attics
- Outdoor hose bibs (spigots) and irrigation lines
- Pipes near basement rim joists, windows or foundation vents
7 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Disconnect garden hoses. A hose left attached traps water in the spigot, which can freeze and crack the pipe inside the wall. Shut off the interior valve to outdoor faucets and drain them.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Foam pipe sleeves from any hardware store are inexpensive and easy to install in basements, crawl spaces and garages.
- Seal drafts. Caulk or foam gaps around rim joists, dryer vents and where pipes pass through exterior walls.
- Keep the heat on. Never set your thermostat below 55°F, even when you are away for the holidays.
- Open cabinet doors. On the coldest nights, open sink cabinets on exterior walls so warm air can reach the pipes.
- Let a faucet drip. A slow drip of hot and cold water keeps water moving and relieves pressure in the line.
- Know where your main shutoff is. If a pipe does burst, shutting off the main water valve quickly can save thousands in damage.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle, a pipe may be frozen. Keep the faucet open, then gently warm the suspected section with a hair dryer or space heater kept at a safe distance. Never use an open flame. If you cannot locate the frozen section or the pipe has already cracked, shut off your main water and call a plumber right away.
We Can Help
Plumbing Lombard handles frozen and burst pipe repair around the clock. If you are dealing with water where it should not be, call our 24/7 emergency plumbers at (630) 403-0888.
