Preventing frozen pipes in your home this winter

• • Insulate your home properly by insulating unprotected pipes. Try not to leave any gaps during the process. If it’s unavoidable, use pipe sleeves. Seal the joints and the slits with tape if you have to.
  • Check your basement, attic, and crawlspaces for cracks or air leaks, and seal any you find. (This will also help make your home more energy-efficient!)
  • Have a contractor install heat cables that can be controlled with a thermostat. Follow the instructions given in the manual to ensure you install the ones meant for your pipes correctly. At the end of the season, unplug the cables to preserve energy.
  • Replace single-pane windows with storm windows or ones that are more energy-efficient.
  • Contact the team at King for a FREE plumbing inspection to examine your plumbing beforehand. We’ll tell you what can be done to ensure your pipes do not freeze during the chilly weather.

On average, Chicago winters have highs just above freezing. Any time the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a risk that your water pipes can freeze. Frozen pipes can crack and leak, which is why preventing frozen pipes is so important.

To avoid the need for emergency plumbing repair this winter, call King. We offer free plumbing inspections here in Oak Forest, Orland Park, Joliet, and other parts of Chicagoland. Our experienced plumbers are ready to help you with your plumbing needs, and to help you assess your risk for frozen pipes this winter.

Before winter hits, you want to make sure your home is ready for the cold months ahead. A furnace tune-up in the fall is one part of frozen pipe prevention. This service ensures your home has enough heat to protect your interior pipes and prevent freezing. During a furnace tune-up, a professional technician will inspect and clean key components of your heating system, such as the burners, heat exchanger, and blower motor, to ensure they are functioning efficiently and safely. Regular maintenance not only enhances the performance of your furnace but also reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns during the peak of winter when you need heat the most.

Additionally, a furnace tune-up often includes checking the thermostat settings, inspecting the ductwork for leaks, and ensuring that the overall system is operating at optimal efficiency. By maintaining your furnace, you can lower your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your heating system. Moreover, a well-maintained furnace provides consistent and reliable heat distribution throughout your home, which is crucial in preventing areas where pipes might be more susceptible to freezing.

Installing heat cables on exposed pipes adds an extra layer of protection by providing consistent warmth, reducing the likelihood of freezing. Additionally, consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors to minimize heat loss and improve your home’s insulation. Regularly monitoring indoor temperatures and keeping a consistent thermostat setting can also play a significant role in preventing frozen pipes.

Exposed pipes, such as those in a basement or home exterior, are at the highest risk for freezing. However, an easy fix to look into is insulation. Pipes in a basement, crawlspace, or attic can be wrapped in foam, while external faucets can be protected with faucet covers. Additionally, ensure that all areas where pipes run through unheated spaces are properly insulated. For added protection, consider installing pipe heating cables or thermostatic heat tape, which can provide consistent warmth during extremely cold temperatures. Regularly inspect these insulated areas for any signs of wear or damage and replace insulation as needed.

Another effective measure is to keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, even when you’re away, can further reduce the risk of pipe freezing. Additionally, during severe cold spells, letting a small stream of water drip from faucets can help prevent freezing by keeping water moving through the pipes. It’s also wise to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off the water supply to exterior faucets to minimize exposure to freezing temperatures.

Keep your garage door shut to prevent cold air from seeping in. Cold drafts can lower the temperature in adjacent areas of your home, increasing the risk of pipes near the garage freezing. Additionally, you want to use the warm air inside your home to protect interior pipes, such as those under a kitchen countertop. Open the cabinet doors as often as possible to allow for air circulation that helps in avoiding frozen pipes. This allows warm air to flow around the plumbing, especially in areas where pipes are tucked away and more vulnerable to the cold.

Furthermore, consider adding weather stripping or insulation around the garage door to create an additional barrier against cold air intrusion. Installing door sweeps can also help seal gaps at the bottom of the garage door, enhancing its insulation properties. During extremely cold weather, you might use space heaters in areas where pipes are exposed, but always follow safety guidelines to prevent fire hazards. Regularly monitoring the temperature in your garage and adjacent rooms can alert you to any sudden drops that might threaten your plumbing.

Turn off the yard’s watering systems. Once the water’s off, open your faucet all the way to let water drain out. This step is crucial as it removes any residual water that could freeze and cause pipe bursts. Additionally, disconnect and drain any outdoor hoses to prevent water from remaining in the hose and faucet, which can also freeze and expand. Consider installing frost-proof hose bibs, which are specifically designed to reduce the risk of freezing. After draining, insulate your exterior faucets with faucet covers to provide an extra layer of protection against the cold. These covers help trap heat and keep the surrounding area warmer, further minimizing the chances of frozen pipes. Regularly check your outdoor plumbing during the winter months to ensure there are no leaks or signs of freezing. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent more significant problems. Taking these precautions can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your plumbing system remains intact throughout the freezing temperatures. Additionally, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, even when you’re away, can further protect your exterior pipes by reducing the likelihood of extreme temperature drops around your home’s foundation.

In the event some of your pipes freeze, you need a plan of action. A licensed plumber from King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can assess the damage and determine what sort of repairs you might need. We are also available to help with your winter prep with a whole-house heating tune-up.

Preventing frozen pipes during a cold Chicago winter takes knowledge and proper planning. With our help, you can avoid common pitfalls during winter and protect your home from water damage. To learn more about our plumbing services, call us today.

When the coldest nights of the year arrive and the blizzard hovers over Chicago, follow these tips to further protect your home’s pipes:

• • Cut off the water supply to faucets and plumbing outside your home by closing the valves.
  • Make sure your garage doors are closed at all times to protect the pipes located there from the cold.
  • Keep your kitchen and bathroom cabinets open sometimes to allow warm air to circulate inside. The warmth will help keep the pipes from freezing over.
  • Allow pipes that are susceptible to the cold drip a little. This includes both hot and cold water pipes. This subtle water movement—even at the pace of a drip—makes it harder for the water to freeze.