Preventing Frozen Pipes

Preventing Frozen Pipes: What Causes Them, How They Burst, and When to Call Stellar Plumbing in Elk Grove Village, IL

When winter temperatures drop in Elk Grove Village, IL, your home’s plumbing becomes vulnerable to one of the most common cold-weather emergencies: frozen pipes. A frozen pipe can easily turn into a burst pipe, causing thousands of dollars in damage within minutes. The good news? With the right preparation—and help from a licensed plumber—you can prevent the problem before it starts.

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Before Freezing Temperatures Hit

Preparation is everything. Taking a few simple steps can drastically reduce your chances of frozen or burst pipes:

Insulate Vulnerable Plumbing

Pipes located in garages, crawl spaces, attics, or near exterior walls are especially at risk. Foam pipe insulation or heat tape can help maintain a safe temperature.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Leaving hoses attached traps water inside the faucet and connected lines, increasing freeze potential.

Seal Drafts

Cold air can easily enter small gaps around doors, windows, or siding. Sealing them protects both your pipes and your energy bill.

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

A professional plumbing inspection can identify weak points you may have never considered—including hidden plumbing inside walls.

During Freezing Conditions

When the temperature dips below 32°F and stays there, protect your pipes by allowing warm air and moving water to do the heavy lifting.

Keep Indoor Heat Consistent

Even when you’re away, never set your thermostat below 55°F. Use a smart thermostat to easily maintain temps.

Let Faucets Drip

A small trickle relieves internal pressure and reduces the chance of freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors

This allows warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks.

Close Garage Doors

Even a few degrees can make a big difference.

After a Freeze: What to Do

If you suspect a pipe has frozen, act fast:

Shut Off Your Main Water Valve

This prevents additional water from flooding your home if the pipe bursts.

Avoid Open Flames

Never use a blowtorch or space heater to thaw pipes—this can cause structural damage or fire.

Call a Licensed Plumber Immediately

A professional can safely thaw and evaluate the system, preventing future problems.

How Frozen Pipes Burst

The freeze itself isn’t the main culprit—the pressure buildup behind the ice is.

As water freezes, it expands. This expansion creates pressure inside the pipe, pushing outward on the pipe walls. When pressure has nowhere to go, it will eventually burst through the weakest point, often a joint or seam. When the ice thaws, water begins to pour out rapidly.

In short:

• Ice creates blockage
• Pressure increases
• Pipe ruptures
• Water damage follows

The Damage Burst Pipes Can Cause

Even a small crack can release hundreds of gallons of water in a single day. Common types of damage include:

Flooded Basements

Water quickly spreads across flooring, causing warping and rot.

Destroyed Drywall and Insulation

Soggy walls often need to be removed and rebuilt.

Mold Growth

Moisture can lead to mold in as little as 48 hours.

Electrical Hazards

Leaking water near outlets or wiring creates dangerous conditions.

High Repair Costs

Between cleanup, repairs, and lost personal property, burst pipes are one of winter’s most expensive emergencies.

Why You Should Avoid DIY Fixes

Frozen pipes are riskier than they look. DIY attempts can:

• Crack pipes further
• Waste critical time
• Void insurance claims
• Lead to electrical hazards

A licensed plumber has the equipment and experience to thaw safely and repair correctly.

Why Choose Stellar Plumbing in Elk Grove Village, IL

Stellar Plumbing specializes in cold-weather plumbing challenges common to Elk Grove Village and surrounding Chicagoland suburbs. Homeowners trust Stellar Plumbing because they offer:

• Fast emergency response
• Expert frozen pipe diagnostics
• Safe thawing techniques
• Permanent repair solutions
• Recommendations to prevent it from happening again

Whether your pipes are frozen now or you want to prevent a costly disaster, Stellar Plumbing has the expertise to protect your home.

Don’t Wait for a Burst Pipe — Protect Your Home Today

If temperatures are dropping or your water flow suddenly slows, don’t wait for the worst-case scenario. Schedule an inspection with Stellar Plumbing and keep your pipes (and wallet) protected this winter.

Contact Stellar Plumbing today to book your frozen pipe inspection or emergency service!