Preparing your home for cold weather is a must-do task that not only makes it more comfortable for the family but also protects your property from the elements. One of the best things you can do to prevent potential damage and expensive repairs this fall and winter is to take steps to protect your water pipes.

Why Worry About the Pipes You Ask?

Fall and winter weather have a big impact on your home’s pipes. How so? The cold can seep into non-insulated, poorly heated areas of the home causing the water in the pipes to freeze. As the water freezes, it expands. Sometimes, frozen water expands enough to split your pipes!

Even if your pipes aren’t damaged when they freeze, it can still slow drainage or stop the water flow altogether. Homeowners can usually gently thaw out pipes in any number of ways to allow you to use your plumbing again. These methods include:

• Turning up the Heating System
• Aiming a Space Heater at the Pipes
• Using a Hair Dryer to Warm the Pipes
• Wrapping the Pipes with Hot Towels
• Applying Electrical Heating Tape

How to Stop Your Pipes From Freezing in the First Place

Prevention is the best policy for dealing with frozen pipes. You can easily take a few steps to keep your water flowing this fall and winter:

• Wrap Foam Insulation Around Exposed Pipes
• Install Electrical Heating Tape
• Install an Exterior Faucet Cover Over Outdoor Spigots
• Seal up Holes and Cracks Under Cabinets and in Cool Rooms
• Keep the Garage Door Closed

Another tip is to let a little water drip from your faucets during the coldest winter nights to keep water moving in the pipes, so they don’t freeze.

If you would like to get help with preparing your home’s plumbing system for winter, give Four Seasons Plumbing and Sewer a call to set up a consultation with a Chicago plumber. If you are dealing with a burst pipe, call us right away to get emergency services. Or you can fill out our online form to ask about a fast quote for any of our plumbing services in the Chicagoland area.