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How to Prevent Burst Pipes in Lincoln Park, Chicago

how to prevent burst pipes in lincoln park.

Winter temperatures in Chicago are consistently ranked among the highest in the United States. With temperatures regularly plunging below the freezing point, keeping water pipes safe during winter can be a huge challenge for homeowners in Lincoln Park.

Frozen pipes in the dead of winter mean that all or some parts of your home will have to go without water for extended periods, says Sunnyside Properties. This problem doesn’t always end after the pipe has thawed because frozen pipes can quickly become burst pipes that cause water damage to your home.

The major challenge with frozen pipes is the problem often happens without prior warning. Pipes in the unheated spaces in your home can freeze and thaw all by themselves. The only sign you will have of the event is that you may be left with a burst pipe inside the house.

Is there a way to prevent this problem? Thankfully, there are several things you can do to stop your pipes from bursting during winter. Some of these steps involve using items you already have in your home. Others may require you to buy some stuff. But all are fully explained below.

Steps for preventing burst pipes in your Lincoln Park, Chicago home

Temporarily block crawlspace vents

During winter, crawlspaces act as entry points for cold drafts that increase the risk of frozen pipes in your home. A cold crawlspace can cool your floors and increase heating costs. To stop this problem, it is best to seal off crawlspace vents for winter. If your crawlspace has a dirt floor, you may want to cover it with a good vapor barrier before doing this. Alternatively,  you can insulate your subfloor. Polystyrene foam is a great material to use if you want to block the vents in your crawlspace.

Insulate exposed pipes

Even if your home is heated, exposed pipes in the crawlspace, garage, basement and other unheated spaces can still cause your pipes to freeze. To prevent this, you want to insulate all the pipes that bring water into your home. For ease of installation and affordability, you should use foam insulation. It is easy to work with and will fit around corners. You also want to seal the cracks and openings where pipes penetrate the walls of your home. 

Disconnect and drain garden hoses and outdoor faucets

This will prevent water damage to these fixtures and lower the risk of frozen pipes inside your home. To do this step, locate the shut-off valve for the outdoor faucet and turn it clockwise to close it. Disconnect the hose, lower one end and lift the other to drain it. Make sure there is no water left inside the hose. Coil the hose and store it in a safe place to prevent damage from snow and ice. Open the faucet and let it drain completely.

Install freeze-proof faucets or frost-proof spigots in outdoor areas

Freeze-proof outdoor faucets prevent frozen pipes by protecting outdoor and indoor plumbing from freezing temperatures. Freeze-proof faucets have their valves far inside the house. That ensures that the water behind the valve doesn’t freeze and transfers cold temperatures to the water pipes inside the home. Frost-proof spigots also slope downward toward the spout. This unique feature helps to drain water and prevent ice buildup.

a frost free hose bibb installation.

Freeze-proof outdoor faucets prevent frozen pipes by protecting outdoor and indoor plumbing from freezing temperatures.

Keep your home warm at all times

You don’t want to leave your home without sufficient heating during the winter months, even if you plan to go away for a long period. To prevent frozen pipes, the thermostat should never be turned down below 70° (F). The additional energy costs of this step are nothing compared to the cost of fixing water damage resulting from a burst pipe in your home.

Let hot and cold water faucets drip

Opening one or two cold and hot water faucets inside the home to let water drip will protect your water pipes from freezing. The constant dripping ensures that water is always flowing through the pipes. Water is less likely to freeze when it is moving. If you are worried about wasting water,  place a container under the faucet to catch water. In any case, the cost of that water doesn’t compare to the potential damage from a frozen pipe.

Leave cabinet doors slightly-open

When they are closed, cabinet doors prevent warm air from circulating to the insides of the cabinets, resulting in pipes in under-the-sink areas becoming prone to freezing. To stop this problem, keep cabinet doors in these parts of your home slightly open. You will protect your pipes by letting the warm air flow into the normally cold recesses of those cabinets.

Finally, before implementing these steps, it is a good idea to have a nearby Chicago plumber do a careful inspection of your plumbing. This will help you find leaks and weak spots in the plumbing that predispose the system to frozen and burst pipes.

A Comprehensive Guide to Dealing with Burst Pipes in Chicagoland

a burst pipe in chicagoland.

Dealing with burst pipes can be a stressful and costly situation for homeowners in the Chicagoland area. Not only can it cause extensive damage to your property, but it can also disrupt your daily routine and lead to unwanted expenses. Below we will provide you with everything you need to know about dealing with burst pipes in Chicagoland, from understanding the causes of burst pipes to preventing them and effectively handling the situation if it does occur.

Understanding the Causes

Before we get into the measures to deal with burst pipes, it’s important to understand the common causes. By understanding the underlying causes, you can take preventative measures to mitigate the risk of a burst pipe. The following are some of the most common causes:

  • Freezing temperatures: Chicago’s harsh winters are notorious for their frigid temperatures, which can cause water inside pipes to freeze and expand, leading to bursts.
  • Age and deterioration: Over time, pipes naturally degrade, especially if they are made from older materials such as galvanized iron. These weakened pipes are more susceptible to bursting.
  • High water pressure: Excessive water pressure can put strain on pipes, leading to leaks or bursts.
  • Tree root intrusion: Tree roots seeking water can sometimes infiltrate underground pipes, causing blockages and ultimately leading to burst pipes.

Prevention is Key

While it may be impossible to completely eliminate the risk of burst pipes, there are several preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of this unfortunate occurrence:

  • Insulating exposed pipes: By insulating pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as crawl spaces or attics, you can protect them from freezing temperatures.
  • Sealing air leaks: Identifying and sealing any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior can prevent cold air from entering and potentially freezing pipes.
  • Maintaining moderate thermostat settings: Keeping your thermostat at a consistent temperature, even when you’re away, can help prevent extreme temperature fluctuations that can lead to burst pipes.
  • Regular pipe inspections: Hiring a professional to conduct routine inspections of your plumbing system can help identify and address any issues before they escalate.
  • Proper tree and shrubbery placement: Planting trees and shrubs away from underground pipes can minimize the risk of roots infiltrating and causing blockages.

Handling a Burst Pipe

Despite your best efforts, a burst pipe may still occur. In the unfortunate event that it does, it’s crucial to act swiftly and follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the water supply: Locate your main water valve and shut it off immediately to prevent further water damage.
  2. Open faucets: Open all faucets connected to the affected pipe to relieve pressure and allow water to drain.
  3. Contain the water: Use buckets, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to contain and remove as much water as possible.
  4. Contact a professional plumber: It’s essential to contact a plumber who specializes in burst pipe repair to assess the damage, make necessary repairs, and ensure your plumbing system is back in working order.
  5. Document the damage: Take photos or videos of the damage for insurance purposes.
  6. Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider about the burst pipe to initiate the claims process. They will guide you through the necessary steps and coverage.
a burst pipe repair in chicagoland.

Burst pipes require immediate attention, so choose a plumber who offers emergency services and can promptly address the issue.

Choosing the Right Professional

When dealing with a burst pipe, it’s essential to choose a reliable and experienced professional plumber. Consider the following factors when selecting a plumber:

  • License and certifications: Ensure the plumber is licensed and holds relevant certifications to perform the necessary repairs.
  • Insurance: Verify that the plumber has liability insurance, which protects you and your property in case of any accidents or damages during the repair process.
  • Reputation and reviews: Look for customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the plumber’s reputation and quality of work.
  • Response time: Burst pipes require immediate attention, so choose a plumber who offers emergency services and can promptly address the issue.

In Conclusion

Dealing with burst pipes in the Chicagoland area can be a challenging situation, but by understanding the causes, taking preventative measures, and knowing how to handle a burst pipe effectively, you can minimize damage and ensure a speedy recovery. Remember to always prioritize safety and contact an emergency plumber when dealing with burst pipes. By following the advice in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any burst pipe emergencies that may arise.

Need assistance with a burst pipe in the greater Chicago area? Contact us Today!