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Protecting Your Plumbing Pipes from Extreme Chicago Cold This Winter

Protecting Your Plumbing Pipes from Extreme Chicago Cold This Winter

Frozen and burst pipes are the number one winter plumbing issue for Chicago homeowners, according to Foothills company. During winter, the water inside your pipes can freeze and interrupt your home’s water supply. The freezing water may even burst your pipes, leaving you with a mess and costly repairs.

This problem is not limited to outdoor pipes. It can happen to pipes inside the house, even if they are minimally exposed to cold air. That is because of the extremely harsh nature of Chicago winters; Chicago is consistently ranked as one of the coldest American cities.

With winter temperatures regularly falling below 32°F, frozen pipes are problems for homes in this part of the USA. However, the good news is the problem can be avoided. Just because it is winter doesn’t mean you have to endure frozen and burst pipes in your home.

You can protect your pipes from winter if you take the following precautions before the onset of cold weather.

Protecting the pipes in your Chicago home from winter

Know the status of your plumbing

The age of your plumbing pipes and the pipe material play a huge role in whether your pipes will burst after they freeze. Older pipes are more vulnerable to winter temperatures. If the pipes in your home are near or past their expiration date, you should consider replacing them. If this is not possible right now, you should pay more attention to these vulnerable pipes.

Identify high-risk areas

Certain parts of your home’s plumbing are more likely to freeze than others. Areas highly susceptible to freezing winter temperatures include all unheated spaces inside your home. Pipes are located inside the basement and crawlspace. The attic, garage, and similar areas need more attention. That also applies to outdoor plumbing fixtures like hoses, faucets, irrigation systems, etc.

Drain pools and outdoor faucets/hoses

If there is no water inside a pipe or receptacle, the chances of freezing are zero. Outdoor plumbing fixtures that will not be in use during winter should be drained fully. Disconnect outdoor hoses from connected faucets and drain them. Drain your swimming pool and sprinkler system. Shut the inside valve on outdoor hose-bibs/faucets and open the bib/faucet to let it drain completely.

Insulate unheated spaces

If possible, insulate the unheated spaces in your home – attics, basements, and crawlspaces – to keep them warm and minimize heat loss. You may also want to extend your home’s heating to these spaces. Insulate exposed water pipes in the garage, basement, crawlspace, and under kitchen or bathroom cabinets. You can do this with old newspapers or professional products like foam and fiberglass insulation.

Seal gaps and cracks

Gaps, cracks, and other openings in your walls, roof, and foundation increase the rate of heat loss inside your home. Weak or missing window and door seals also do the same thing. Have a professional inspect your basement, attic, garage, crawlspace, foundation, walls, roof, windows, and doors for gaps, cracks, openings, and weak seals. Seal all openings; paying particular attention to places where pipes and wires penetrate the exterior surface of the building.

Install heat cables/tape and anti-freeze faucets

The heat tape is an electrically-powered heat-generating cable you wrap around exposed pipes to keep them from freezing. When temperatures start to drop, the heat from the cable keeps the water inside the pipes warm. Anti-freeze or frost-proof outdoor faucets, on the other hand, have their shut-off valve far inside the home to keep the water inside the pipes from coming into contact with the cold air outside the house.

a dripping faucet.

Leaving both the cold and hot water faucets in your home slightly open will keep the water inside your pipes moving constantly.

Keep cold air out, but let warm air circulate

Measures that let the warm air inside your home circulate while keeping cold air out will protect your pipes from freezing. Open kitchen and cabinet doors so heated air can reach the exposed pipes inside cabinets and below sink areas. Keep interior doors slightly open to let heat circulate inside your home. Keep garage doors closed to keep cold air out of the space.

Let faucets drip

Leaving both the cold and hot water faucets in your home slightly open will keep the water inside your pipes moving constantly. Pipes are less likely to freeze when the water inside them is flowing. Even when a faucet is dripping slowly, this small movement can help protect your pipes.

Keep your home warm

You want to keep the house warm at all times. Even if you plan to go on vacation for an extended period, do not switch off the heating inside your home. If your home will be unoccupied during winter, set the temperature to no lower than 55°F (13°C).

To conclude, note that you will get more out of the above recommendations if you inspect your plumbing before winter. That’s because a professional plumber can access the various parts of the plumbing to identify potential problem areas and help you fix them. This step will help to make your plumbing more resilient, significantly lowering the risk of frozen and burst pipes inside your house.

The Importance of Winterizing Pipes in Chicago to Prevent Bursting

The Importance of Winterizing Pipes in Chicago to Prevent Bursting

During the harsh winter months in Chicago, one of the biggest concerns for homeowners and businesses alike is the potential for pipes to burst. The extreme temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on plumbing systems, leading to costly repairs and inconvenience. Here we will explore the importance of winterizing pipes in Chicago and discuss the steps that can be taken to prevent bursting.

The Dangers of Burst Pipes

Burst pipes pose a significant risk to both residential and commercial properties. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and puts pressure on the walls. Eventually, the pipe may not be able to withstand the pressure, resulting in a rupture. The consequences of burst pipes can be devastating:

Water Damage

When a pipe bursts, it releases a large volume of water into the surrounding area. This can lead to extensive water damage, soaking carpets, furniture, and other belongings. In severe cases, the water damage may even extend to structural elements of the building, compromising its stability.

Mold and Mildew Growth

The presence of water from burst pipes creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Mold growth can be harmful to both property and human health, causing respiratory issues and allergies. The remediation process for mold can be expensive and time-consuming.

Disruption to Daily Life

When a pipe bursts, it can disrupt the normal functioning of a home or business. Loss of running water can make everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene challenging. In commercial settings, burst pipes can lead to business closures, resulting in financial losses.

Increased Utility Bills

When pipes burst, water wastage is a concern. The continuous flow of water can significantly increase utility bills, adding to the financial burden of repairs. Additionally, repairs to burst pipes can be costly, especially if they involve accessing hard-to-reach areas or replacing damaged sections.

a person who identified a burst pipe.

The expansion and contraction caused by freeze-thaw cycles can weaken pipes over time, making them more prone to bursting.

Why Chicago Pipes Are Vulnerable

Chicago’s climate is characterized by frigid temperatures and frequent freeze-thaw cycles. These conditions can put immense stress on pipes, making them more susceptible to bursting. Understanding why Chicago pipes are vulnerable highlights the necessity of winterizing:

Freezing Temperatures

Chicago experiences freezing temperatures for a significant portion of the winter. When exterior pipes are exposed to these extreme temperatures, the water inside them is at risk of freezing. Frozen water expands and increases pressure, leading to pipe ruptures.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Chicago’s weather often includes periods of thaw following freezing temperatures. During the thaw, the frozen water in pipes begins to melt, resulting in rapid temperature changes. The expansion and contraction caused by freeze-thaw cycles can weaken pipes over time, making them more prone to bursting.

Age and Material of Pipes

Many older properties in Chicago have pipes made of materials that are more susceptible to freezing and bursting, such as galvanized steel or copper. These materials may have deteriorated over time, making them weaker and more prone to failure when exposed to extreme weather conditions.

The Importance of Winterizing Pipes

Winterizing pipes is the process of preparing them for the freezing temperatures and potential freeze-thaw cycles of winter. Taking the necessary steps to winterize pipes in Chicago is crucial for the following reasons:

Preventing Burst Pipes

The primary goal of winterizing pipes is to prevent them from bursting. By insulating pipes, applying heat tape, and sealing gaps, the risk of frozen water and subsequent ruptures can be significantly reduced. Proper insulation helps maintain the temperature of the water inside the pipes, preventing it from freezing and expanding.

Avoiding Repair Costs

Preventing burst pipes through winterization can save homeowners and businesses from costly repairs. Repairing burst pipes often involves locating the source of the rupture, accessing the affected area, and replacing damaged sections. By investing in winterization, property owners can avoid the hassle and financial burden of extensive repairs.

Preserving Property and Belongings

Winterizing pipes not only protects the plumbing system but also safeguards the property and belongings within it. By preventing water damage caused by bursting pipes, homeowners and businesses can avoid costly repairs to walls, floors, furniture, and personal possessions. Preserving the integrity of the property is essential for its long-term value.

Maintaining Continuity of Daily Life

When pipes burst, the disruption to daily life can be significant. Water supply interruptions can make it challenging to perform routine tasks such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. By winterizing pipes, homeowners and businesses can ensure a continuous water supply even during freezing temperatures, maintaining normalcy in their daily routines.

Ensuring Business Operations

For businesses in Chicago, burst pipes can lead to temporary closures, resulting in financial losses. The importance of winterizing pipes is particularly significant for commercial properties that rely on a consistent water supply. By protecting pipes from freezing and bursting, business owners can ensure uninterrupted operations during the winter months.

a burst pipe in chicago.

Repairing burst pipes often involves locating the source of the rupture, accessing the affected area, and replacing damaged sections.

Steps to Winterize Pipes

Now that we understand the importance of winterizing pipes in Chicago, let’s explore the essential steps that should be taken to prevent bursting:

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Identify any exposed pipes in your property and insulate them with pipe sleeves or heat tape. Insulation helps to maintain the temperature of the water inside the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing and bursting. Focus on pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and garages.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Inspect your property for gaps and cracks where cold air can enter. Use caulk or insulation foam to seal these gaps around windows, doors, and any other openings. By limiting cold air infiltration, you can help maintain a warmer environment for your pipes.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Prior to the arrival of freezing temperatures, disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses. Leaving hoses connected can prevent water from draining properly, leading to the freezing of water in the connected pipes. Disconnecting hoses allows water to drain out and reduces the risk of burst pipes.

Allow Faucets to Drip

During extremely cold nights, allow faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip slightly. Allowing a small trickle of water to flow can prevent the buildup of pressure in the pipes, reducing the likelihood of bursting. This technique is particularly effective for faucets located on exterior walls or in unheated spaces.

Keep Cabinets Open

If you have pipes located inside cabinets, such as those under the kitchen or bathroom sink, keep the cabinet doors open. This allows warm air from the room to circulate around the pipes, helping to keep them at a more consistent temperature and preventing freezing.

Maintain Heating System

Regularly schedule maintenance for your heating system to ensure it is in optimal condition. A well-functioning heating system can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the risk of freezing pipes. Consider installing a thermostat that allows you to monitor and control the temperature remotely.

Drain Irrigation Systems

If you have an irrigation system for your garden or outdoor landscape, be sure to drain it completely before the onset of winter. Water left in the system can freeze and cause extensive damage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with a professional to properly winterize your irrigation system.

Seek Professional Assistance

If you are unsure about any aspect of winterizing your pipes or if your property has a complex plumbing system, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. A licensed Chicago plumber can assess your property, identify vulnerable areas, and recommend the most effective winterization measures.

Wrapping it Up

Winterizing pipes in Chicago is not just a precautionary measure; it is a necessity to prevent the disastrous consequences of burst pipes. By taking the time to insulate, seal, and protect your pipes, you can safeguard your property, save money on repairs, and ensure the continuous flow of water throughout the winter months. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start winterizing your pipes today.