Winter in Highland Park, Illinois, brings more than just beautiful snowflakes and chilly breezes—it brings the threat of frozen pipes. As a homeowner, understanding when and why pipes freeze can help you prevent this issue, as well as expensive damage to your plumbing system and home.
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric covers what you need to know, from the science of frozen water pipes to the practical steps you can take to keep them flowing smoothly all winter long.
What Happens When Pipes Freeze?
When cold weather comes and temperatures drop, water inside your pipes can freeze. Freezing pipes don’t just stop water flow—they create a ticking time bomb in your home’s plumbing system.
When ice forms, water expands, which creates pressure within the pipe. A small crack can form and cause a leak, or you may have frozen pipes bursting, releasing large volumes of water. The damage often isn’t discovered until the ice thaws and water starts flowing again, only to burst through a weakened or broken section of pipe.
The Damage Frozen Pipes Can Cause
Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience—they can lead to extensive, costly damage. Here’s what could happen if your pipes freeze:
- Burst Pipes: As ice expands, the pressure inside the pipe increases, leading to potential ruptures and pipe bursts. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home.
- Water Damage: Flooding from a burst pipe can ruin floors, walls, and personal items. It also creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
- Mold Growth: Standing water in a warm home creates the perfect conditions for mold to grow. Mold remediation is costly, and mold can cause health issues if not properly removed.
- Increased Utility Bills: If pipes freeze and burst, the resulting leak wastes water. This causes your water bill to rise.
- Inconvenience: No running water can disrupt your daily life, making simple tasks like showering, cooking, and cleaning difficult.
Plumbing repairs for frozen pipes can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the extent of the damage. That’s why preventing frozen pipes is key—taking steps to protect your pipes can save you a lot of hassle and money.
When Do Pipes Start Freezing?
Even during cold weather, your pipes aren’t always at risk of freezing—there’s a “magic number” when it comes to temperatures. Generally, pipes start to freeze when the outside temperature reaches 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and stays that way for several hours or more. However, several factors can influence this threshold:
- Pipe Location: Exposed pipes in uninsulated or poorly insulated areas of your home and along exterior walls are at a higher risk, as they’re more exposed to the cold.
- Insulation Quality: Well-insulated pipes have an extra layer of protection against freezing temperatures.
- Wind Chill: High winds can make a difference in how quickly pipes freeze, particularly if colder air seeps into areas where pipes are located.
- Prolonged Cold Spells: Extended periods of freezing temperatures can put even well-insulated pipes at risk. When the ground stays cold for days, pipes buried underground may also freeze.
In Highland Park, IL, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to dip into this danger zone during winter, particularly in January and February. You need to be proactive rather than reactive and take steps to protect your pipes before a deep freeze hits.
Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes
Taking proactive measures to protect your pipes both now and when temperatures drop into the danger zone is the best way to avoid the nightmare of frozen pipes. Here’s a list of effective strategies to help keep your pipes safe during the coldest months in Highland Park.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Adding insulation to pipes in vulnerable areas, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces, can make a big difference. Use pipe insulation sleeves or wraps to add a layer of protection. Don’t forget outdoor pipes or those in unheated garages.
2. Disconnect Hoses and Protect Outdoor Faucets
Leaving hoses attached to outdoor faucets can lead to freezing and burst pipes. Disconnect all hoses, turn off the water supply to the faucet, and drain the water line before winter. Using insulated faucet covers or installing frost-proof faucets can also limit the risk of freezing.
3. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Inspect areas around your home where cold air could seep in, such as windows, doors, and where pipes enter your home. Sealing these gaps with caulking or foam insulation can prevent drafts that could freeze pipes.
4. Keep Your Home Warm
Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature, even at night. A temperature around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit is generally safe, even when you’re away from home. For second homes or properties that won’t be occupied during the winter, set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees to avoid freezing conditions.
6. Insulate Pipes
Insulating pipes is a simple yet effective way to prevent them from freezing, especially in colder areas like basements, attics, and exterior walls. Add foam sleeves or wrap pipes with insulation to create a barrier that helps keep the warmth in and the cold out.
7. Install Pipe Heat Cables
For pipes that are particularly vulnerable, installing heat cables or heat tape can be an effective solution. These products plug into an electrical outlet and provide consistent warmth to the pipes.
8. Let Faucets Drip
During extreme cold spells when temperatures stay below freezing for an extended period, a slow drip from faucets, especially those connected to pipes in unheated areas or along interior walls, can help prevent freezing. Running water, even a trickle, is less likely to freeze.
9. Leave Cabinet Doors Open
Allow warm air to circulate around pipes by opening cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms. This is especially helpful for pipes located against exterior walls.
10. Keep Garage Doors Closed
If you have water supply lines in your garage, keep the overhead door closed to maintain warmer temperatures inside.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Even with the best prevention, pipes can still freeze during extreme weather. If you suspect a frozen pipe, here’s what you can do to minimize damage:
- Turn Off the Water Supply: If a pipe bursts, you’ll want to cut off the water supply to prevent flooding. Locate your home’s main shut-off valve ahead of time so you’re prepared.
- Open Faucets: Open faucets connected to the frozen pipe to relieve pressure and allow water to flow once the pipe thaws.
- Thaw Frozen Pipes Gently: Use a hair dryer or wrap pipes with warm towels to gradually thaw the ice. Avoid using open flames or high heat, as this could damage the pipes or cause a fire.
If you can’t locate the frozen section or if the pipe is damaged, it’s best to contact a plumber. Ravinia Plumbing offers emergency plumbing services in Highland Park, IL, and can help quickly resolve any frozen pipe issues.
Don’t Let Frozen Pipes Wreck Your Winter!
By taking preventative measures and staying vigilant during the winter months, Highland Park, IL, homeowners can avoid the costly and inconvenient issues associated with frozen pipes. Remember: A little prevention goes a long way. Keep your pipes warm, insulated, and protected, and you’ll be able to enjoy a stress-free winter season.
However, if you do run into trouble, know that help is just a phone call away. Ravinia Plumbing is here to ensure your pipes stay safe and secure, no matter how low the temperature drops.
