As temperatures dip across the northern Chicago area, frozen pipes become a risk for many homeowners. Frozen water pipes create serious headaches if left unaddressed—you need to be prepared when cold weather arrives.
When exactly do pipes start freezing, why do they freeze, and what can be done to prevent or fix the issue? Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric breaks down the science of frozen pipes, the damage they can cause, and how professional plumbing services can help you safeguard your home.
What Causes Pipes to Freeze?
Water freezes at 32°F, but below-freezing temperatures don’t necessarily mean your pipes will freeze. Most plumbing is fairly protected within your home, so pipes often withstand a bit of chill. The risk of pipe freezing usually arises when temperatures drop to 20°F or below and stay that way for several hours or days.
However, it’s not just the freezing temperatures that cause pipes to freeze—exposure to cold air, inadequate insulation, and water sitting stationary in the pipes can all contribute to this issue.
Freezing often starts at specific points in your plumbing system. Areas like crawl spaces, attics, basements, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable due to their increased exposure to cold air and lack of insulation.
When water freezes, it expands. The non-frozen water doesn’t, but the formation of ice restricts the space inside the pipe. This creates pressure within the pipe. While your pipes are engineered to handle significant pressure under normal circumstances, this design is intended for liquid water.
As the ice expands and restricts movement, the pressure between the blockage and the pipe wall grows dangerously high, often beyond what the pipe can withstand. If this pressure continues unchecked, it can force the pipe to crack or burst, leading to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs.
What Damage Can Frozen Pipes Cause?
The damage caused by frozen pipes can be costly and extensive. Burst pipes can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short amount of time, flooding basements, ruining walls, floors, and furniture, and leading to mold growth if water isn’t cleaned up quickly.
Some of the most common damages from frozen pipes include:
- Water Damage: Flooding from a burst pipe can cause significant water damage, soaking carpets, walls, and floors. Water can seep into areas you may not notice immediately and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
- Plumbing Damage: Bust pipes or weakened pipe joints may require extensive plumbing repairs or even replacements, particularly in areas where the pipe structure has been severely compromised.
- Structural Damage: When water infiltrates structural components of your home, it can weaken wood framing, drywall, and insulation, making repairs more challenging.
- Increased Water Bills: When a pipe bursts and leaks, you’ll likely see an unexpected jump in your water bill as hundreds of gallons go to waste.
- Mold and Mildew Growth: After a burst, even small amounts of lingering moisture can lead to mold issues, which can be challenging to eliminate and impact indoor air quality.
What to Do When Pipes Freeze
Even with preventive measures in place to keep pipes from freezing, it can still happen. Here’s what you can do if you suspect or discover frozen pipes:
1. Turn Off the Water
If a pipe has frozen, shut off your home’s main water supply. This prevents water from surging through the pipe when it thaws, which can increase pressure and lead to a burst pipe.
2. Check for Leaks
Inspect areas around the frozen pipe to see if any cracks or leaks have developed. This can help you gauge if immediate repair or additional thawing assistance is needed.
3. Open Faucets to Relieve Pressure
Turn on faucets connected to the frozen pipes, especially the ones farthest from the main water supply. This can help relieve pressure in the system, as even a small drip can keep water moving and reduce the chance of a burst.
4. Start Thawing the Pipe
Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towel to thaw the frozen area slowly. Avoid open flames as they can damage the pipes or cause a fire hazard. If the frozen pipes are under a sink, open cabinet doors to allow warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes. If the frozen pipe is in a cold area, such as a basement or under the sink, place a space heater nearby to raise the surrounding air temperature.
5. Call a Professional Plumber
While some homeowners may be able to thaw pipes, if you cannot locate the frozen pipe or you have leaks and plumbing damage, it’s time to call in an expert. Professional plumbers can identify the safest thawing methods and ensure that no further damage occurs.
How Ravinia Plumbing Handles Frozen Pipes
When you’re dealing with frozen pipes, it’s important to know you have a team of experts on hand who can manage the situation effectively and safely. At Ravinia Plumbing, we work quickly to eliminate frozen pipes and repair any damage.
Thawing Water Supply Lines
Frozen pipes require a gentle approach to avoid sudden expansion, which can lead to cracks and bursts. Our technicians are trained to use specialized equipment that applies controlled heat to the affected area, allowing the ice to melt gradually. We’re also available around the clock to provide emergency plumbing services if you find freezing pipes overnight or on the weekend.
Comprehensive Pipe Inspections
Before we begin any repair work, we conduct a thorough inspection of your plumbing to assess the extent of the freeze and check for any signs of cracks or leaks. This proactive approach allows us to identify and address hidden damage early, minimizing the risk of unexpected leaks later. We also inspect surrounding areas that might be vulnerable, helping you avoid future issues.
Swift and Effective Pipe Repairs
If a frozen pipe has already burst, our team at Ravinia Plumbing is prepared to act quickly. We carry the necessary tools and replacement materials to repair or replace pipes right on the spot. From small cracks to larger bursts, our technicians know how to restore your plumbing system efficiently, minimizing disruption to your home.
Preventative Guidance for Future Protection
Once your pipes are thawed and repaired, our job isn’t done. We believe in proactive care, so our technicians will offer personalized recommendations to help you prevent frozen pipes in the future. This might include installing frost-free hose bibbs for outdoor faucets, adding pipe sleeves to exposed pipes, or addressing any drafts near your plumbing. We’re committed to helping you avoid similar issues later to save you time and stress.
How Ravinia Plumbing Can Help You
Frozen pipes can be a headache, but with a trusted plumber by your side, you can rest easy. Ravinia Plumbing is here to assist with everything from prevention to repairs. Our team is trained to handle all types of winter plumbing challenges, and we’ll help you avoid the stress of frozen pipes this winter.
The longer you wait to address pipe freezes, the more damage can result. Give us a call if you need immediate help with frozen pipes or need help to keep pipes from freezing this winter.
