How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Palatine

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing what winter is capable of causing in Chicago, now is the time to take extra precautions and know what to do when frozen pipes occur.

2019 is almost over, and it is always wise to look back on lessons learned the past year. In January, when the Polar Vortex hit, many houses in Elk Grove, Schaumburg, Palatine, etc. experienced large-scale water losses caused by burst frozen pipes. Knowing what winter is capable of causing in Chicago, now is the time to take extra precautions and know what to do when frozen pipes occur.

If you suspect your property may have frozen pipes, it is best to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and potentially repair and help prevent any damages. If you would like to try to take matters into your own hands, here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid using open flames, heat guns, etc. to thaw your pipes. 
• Pipe bursts occur not just because of frozen water, but from increasing water pressure as ice builds up. Relieve water pressure on your lines. Ways you can do this are turning off your water supply or trickling your faucets. Water may still freeze, but allowing pressure to escape can help prevent pipes from bursting.
• If you are able to visually access pipes along your walls, look for swollen areas or frost. If you see any, turn up the heat throughout the building.
• Use space heaters to provide extra heat in particular areas (though do not leave such appliances unattended).
• If you need to target specific areas, a hairdryer, heating pad, or simply a cloth wet with hot water can be applied.

In the unfortunate event your home or business experiences water damage caused by a frozen pipe, please give us a call! SERVPRO operates 24/7 and offers quick emergency response time to effectively mitigate any further damage. (847) 593-3055