During the colder months of the year, the water within your plumbing pipes may freeze.

When this happens, the ice puts pressure on the water pipes. If left unaddressed, this pressure can result in major leaks.

You’ll waste water, and you may have to spend money repairing any portions of your home that were damaged as a result. That’s why you should contact Perfect Home Services whenever you need frozen pipe repair. With over 25 years of experience serving clients throughout the Chicagoland area, we know how to address this problem fast when cold Illinois winters strike.

Preventing Your Pipes From Being Frozen

Obviously, you’re better off if you can avoid frozen pipes in the first place.

The following tips will help you keep pipes from freezing. Our team is also on hand if you need assistance winterizing your home before the cold season sets in. Coordinating with us ahead of time could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Insulate Pipes

Anywhere a pipe is exposed to the cold or is otherwise located in an unheated or poorly-insulated section of the home, insulate it.

You can purchase insulation designed specifically for this purpose at most hardware stores. Prepare early, identifying areas of your home where you’ll need to insulate pipes when winter begins.

By planning early, you can gather all the materials you need ahead of time, instead of scrambling to insulate your pipes at the last minute.

Drain Outdoor Water Fixtures

Outdoor water and plumbing fixtures are going to be much more exposed to cold temperatures during the winter than any indoor fixtures will be. Drain them completely before temperatures start to drop below freezing.

If any inside water valves serve outside hose bibbs, shut them down too. Keeping water out of these fixtures over the course of the season reduces the chances of water pipes freezing.

Keep the Heat On

During the colder months of the year, it’s a good idea to ensure the temperature within your home is always above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re worried about wasting money by running your HVAC equipment all the time, we at Perfect Home Services will gladly equip you with a more efficient system than the one you currently use.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If your pipes are frozen, shut off the water supply immediately.

This reduces the amount of pressure put on them. Once you’ve taken this step, contact a professional. They may suggest taking additional steps to thaw the pipes before they leak or burst.

You should also contact a professional ahead of time if it seems the water flow is slowing down. This could indicate it’s starting to freeze. One of our experts will help you take steps to prepare if it does.