Preparing Your Home’s Plumbing System for Winter Storms

Winter storms in the greater Chicago area are no joke. Icy winds, heavy snow, and temperatures far below freezing can do more than create a challenging winter — they can also wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Don’t freeze up — by taking proactive steps to winterize your plumbing system, you can avoid plumbing issues and protect your home. Below, our plumbing experts at Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing & Sewer have outlined some practical winter plumbing tips to help you prepare for the season ahead.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

One of the best ways to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or even a few layers of heavy fabric to wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces. Proper pipe insulation for winter keeps cold air from reaching your plumbing and helps you avoid the headaches of frozen or burst pipes.

Drain & Protect Outdoor Plumbing

Outdoor faucets and hoses are especially vulnerable to winter temperatures. To prevent frozen pipes, disconnect and drain garden hoses, then turn off the water supply to outdoor spigots. Once drained, cover the spigots with insulated covers to protect them from freezing. This simple step will ensure you don’t face burst pipes when temperatures plunge.

Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater works overtime in the winter to provide hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. Schedule water heater maintenance ahead of the season to ensure it’s running efficiently. If your water heater is older or showing signs of wear, replacing it before a winter storm hits can save you from inconvenient breakdowns.

Seal Gaps & Cracks in Your Home

Cold air can seep into your home through tiny gaps and cracks, increasing the risk of frozen pipes. Check areas where plumbing enters your home — such as around windows, doors, and the foundation — and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. This simple winter plumbing maintenance tip also helps improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Know How To Shut Off Water in Case of Emergencies

If a pipe does freeze or burst, knowing how to shut off your water quickly can prevent additional damage. Locate your main water shut-off valve and make sure everyone in your household knows how to use it. This critical emergency plumbing tip for winter can save you from a major mess.

Run Faucets During Freezing Temperatures

When temperatures hit extreme lows, running a slow trickle of water from your faucets can help prevent frozen pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and this small step can keep your plumbing system safe during severe cold snaps.

Prevent Sewer Line Freeze-Ups

Extreme cold can even affect your sewer line. To avoid backups, clear any clogs in your sewer line before winter sets in. Consider scheduling drain cleaning and sewer services with Cahill, such as a professional video camera inspection to ensure your plumbing is ready to handle the cold without issues.

Choose Cahill for Top-Quality Plumbing Services in Greater Chicago

With over 50 years of experience, Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing & Sewer has been the trusted name for plumbing services in the greater Chicago area. As a family-owned and -operated company, we keep your family safe and comfortable with same-day and 24/7 emergency plumbing service. Whether you need drain cleaning, water heater maintenance, or emergency plumbing repairs, Cahill has the tools and expertise to keep your home safe all winter long.

Make sure your home is prepared for winter — contact Cahill today to schedule plumbing services in the greater Chicago area!