You have probably heard this time and again, but frozen pipes are common problems that most households in Chicago experience every winter season. Not to blame anyone, but with all the Christmas celebrations and other festive seasons, pipes are usually the last thing on the mind; sadly, there is no avoiding the inevitable.

As temperatures plummet and winter blankets the city in snow and ice, the risks of pipes freezing and potentially bursting become all too real. The damage caused by frozen pipes can be expensive, calling you to hire a plumbing company Chicago. Luckily, Velox Plumbing is here to offer a few tips on how you can avoid frozen pipes and have a worry-free winter season. Stick around.

What Causes Frozen Pipes in Chicago?

If you want to deal with frozen pipes effectively, you ought to understand the science behind them and why they burst. So, let's get technical here for a minute. When water freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the pipe's interior. The result? Cracks burst open, spilling the water. 

If your pipes are within the walls, you are in a better position than someone with open pipes. The walls contain the water, buying you time to call a plumber in Chicago area to fix the situation. The water may not be contained for someone whose pipes are exposed, requiring a professional plumber ASAP.

Frozen Pipes - How to Prevent It

Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

First things first, you want to make sure your furnace is ready for the winter. You see, your home stays home during the winter, all thanks to your furnace. But if that furnace breaks down, you are not the only victim; your pipes are also affected, resulting in freezing.

Scheduling a furnace tune-up with the best plumbers in Chicago can help keep you on the safe side. They can identify potential problems and fix them before it's too late. Also, if your furnace has served you for more than 15 years, it would be best to get a professional to replace it before winter.

Insulate the High-Risk Areas of Your Pipes

Consider insulating the unheated areas of your pipes. While most houses have pipes installed within the walls, not all are. This implies that some of your pipes are exposed and at higher risk of freezing when winter strikes. Areas such as the attic, basements, crawl spaces, and garages are some of the most unheated areas you insulate.

Pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive and is much easier to do. To prevent freezing, you only need to wrap your pipes using foam or heat tape. This provides enough insulation to get water in your pipes flowing.

Seal Cracks and Air Leaks 

Insulating your high-risk areas is a step in the right direction, but you need to go the extra mile to ensure your entire home is well protected. Look for cracks or air leaks that bring in cold air freezing your pipes. Did you find any? If yes, seal them and proceed to your windows and door frames. You want to ensure they are completely sealed so that not even the tiniest insect can sneak in.

And don't forget the cable holes in the walls. Yes, we are all surprised as you are. If there are any openings there, it may freeze your pipe. So, ensure you properly seal them. You don't want your home flooded in the middle of a winter season. For optimum results when sealing pipes on your walls, have a plumbing company in Chicago apply caulking. It helps trap warm air, preventing blockage from frozen water.

Let Your Faucets Drip 

It's pretty hard for ice to form inside your pipes when water is dripping. Don't get us wrong; we are not implying that you leave all your faucets draining a whole amount of water but just a trickle of water. Yes, a trickle of water is enough to save you from all the trouble. 

How, you ask? It helps relieve the pressure inside the pipes and prevents cracking if the water freezes. Here is a bonus tip from our certified plumber in Chicago, Illinois: Focus on the more exposed pipes, like those in your garage or attic. 

Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Our plumbing contractors Chicago recommend setting your thermostat at the same temperature 24/7. We get that you don't want to incur many utility bills, but trust us, when you keep changing those temperatures, you are going to incur more costly damages, much higher than your utility bills. So, why risk? Consider maintaining steady temperatures and save your pipes from freezing.

Get a Certified Local Plumber

If your pipes freeze, you need the best plumbers in Chicago to fix the situation as soon as possible. Delaying will only result in costly repairs. At the same time, if you get an unqualified plumber, they will only provide a temporary fix, costing you more money in the long run.

Velox Plumbing is a trusted and recognized name in Chicago. We have the expertise to help you unfreeze those pipes and ensure that it doesn't happen again throughout your winter season. And we don't just fix your pipes. Once we step into your Chicago home, we provide a comprehensive service, from inspecting to identifying other problems and fixing them. Give us a call, and make your winter memories with peace of mind.

Additional Tips to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Disconnect and drain your garden hoses by closing all the shut-off valves that supply water outside your home.

Close all the doors in your garage to prevent cold winter air from freezing your exposed pipes.

Ensure your bathroom and kitchen cabinets are open to distribute heat consistently around rooms.

Always leave the heat on if you are planning to travel for a while. We recommend you maintain a temperature of 55 degrees or more to keep the pipes flowing.

With these at your fingertips, you don't have to stress about winter. However, to be completely sure that the unexpected doesn't occur, get in touch with our certified plumbing contractors at Velox Plumbing. We will inspect your home and fix all the potential problems, ensuring you are ready to face the winter season confidently. Call us today!