How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During Illinois Winters

Protecting Your Home from Winter Freezes

Winters in Naperville, IL can bring harsh sub-zero temperatures that put vulnerable plumbing pipes at high risk of freezing and bursting. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands with immense pressure, frequently causing metal or PVC pipes to crack or split. Fortunately, proactive winterization can save you from costly emergency pipe repairs.

Top Winterization Tips for Homeowners

• Insulate Vulnerable Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls using foam pipe insulation.
• Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Remove garden hoses from outdoor spigots and shut off indoor shut-off valves leading to exterior faucets.
• Keep Cabinets Open: During extreme cold snaps, open kitchen and bathroom sink cabinet doors to let warm indoor air circulate around plumbing pipes.
• Maintain Consistent Heat: Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when traveling during winter.