Chicago winters are tough enough; the last thing you want to deal with on a cold day is a serious plumbing issue.
Cold temperatures, windy days, and even building materials all contribute to winter plumbing emergencies in Chicagoland.
That’s why we put together this quick list of tips and tricks to avoid winter plumbing emergencies this year.
Why Chicago Winters are Rough on Your Plumbing
Chicago is a beautiful city, even in the winter. But cold temperatures and winter weather can cause severe damage to your plumbing.
Obviously, the sustained, low temperatures give pipes more time to lose heat and freeze, causing a fair amount of burst pipes throughout the area.
Add in the freeze-thaw cycles, which expand and contract pipes, stressing joints, fittings, and other components and leading to cracks and water damage.
There’s also the danger that buildings are older and have older pipes. These pipes are more brittle with less insulation, making them prime candidates for winter plumbing emergencies.
Despite all that, Flader Plumbing and Heating can help you with any plumbing problem you may encounter.
Top Mid-Winter Plumbing Emergencies
There are a few things worse than waking up on a cold winter morning and experiencing plumbing problems.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, these are the most common winter plumbing emergencies we see every year. To help you out, we put together a few homeowner tips to lower the risk of an emergency and guide you through the warning signs that something might be wrong.
As always, Flader Plumbing and Heating’s experts are only a phone call away whenever you’re experiencing any type of plumbing (or heating) emergency.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are relatively common and can cause costly damage throughout your house if they burst.
Pipes located along exterior walls, in unheated basements, in garages, and under kitchen cabinets tend to freeze more often than other pipes in your home.
While water freezes at 32°F, when temps hit 20°F and below for extended periods of time, that’s when your pipes are at most risk.
As the water freezes, it expands, and the pressure builds until the pipe bursts or a small crack appears once everything defrosts.
To avoid these issues, keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature to prevent sudden drops around the pipes, and even allow the faucet to drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving.
If you have an outdoor hose bib, first disconnect the hose and make sure the water is shut off outside.
While you cannot eliminate the risk of frozen pipes, you can take steps to limit the likelihood of severe damage.
Water Heater Issues
You wake up, get ready to take a shower, and suddenly realize you have no hot water.
Not great, and especially frustrating when it happens in the middle of winter.
Colder water entering your water heater forces it to work harder and longer than usual, putting your heater under additional stress.
If your water heater is in an unheated basement, the cold air can reduce efficiency and stress components.
The best preventive measure to keep your water heater running is annual maintenance.
Whether that’s working with Flader Plumbing and Heating or doing the work yourself, this allows you to identify failing heating elements, burners, or pressure relief valves before they fail during peak winter demand.
Mid-winter water heater issues often lead to full replacements rather than quick repairs.
If you’re experiencing colder water temperatures, longer recovery times for hot water, or strange popping noises, it’s time to call a professional before the problem worsens.
Sewer and Drain Problems
Greases and fats tend to solidify more quickly in cold pipes, making them more prone to clogs and backups in the winter months.
The most common first sign of a winter sewer or drainage problem is a slow-moving drain. This could mean there’s already a partial clog in your pipes, or, worse yet, that the cold temperatures damaged older pipes, causing leaks.
While we see a lot of people online recommending hot water or chemical drain cleaners, it’s important to note that they may actually cause more long-term damage, especially if you have older pipes.
Three simple ways to help prevent winter sewer and drain problems include avoiding pouring grease or oil down the drain, using drain strainers, and running water after using the garbage disposal to flush the lines.
If you’re experiencing persistent problems and blockages, calling a plumber should be your top priority; otherwise, you risk flooding and water damage throughout your house.
Sump Pump Flooding
Sump pumps help prevent floods and basement damage, but also play a vital role during winter thaws.
The main risks with sump pumps in winter are frozen discharge lines, power outages during storms, and pumps cycling too often.
As a result, you may see a sump pump failure, and a failed sump pump can lead to significant water damage very quickly.
Some signs to look out for include unusual noises and visible ice on your discharge lines. You should invest in a battery backup to protect your sump pump and home from flooding once the snow melts.
When to Call a Plumber for a Winter Plumbing Emergency
The first step when facing any plumbing emergency is not to panic. Call Flader Plumbing and Heating, and a member of our team will help you as quickly as possible.
As to when is the right time to call a plumber, if any of these are happening, it’s time to reach out:
- Frozen or burst pipes
- No hot water during cold weather
- Sewer backups or repeated drain issues
- Suspected hidden leaks
- Sump pump concerns before or during snow melt
We offer responsive service to help homeowners like you get peace of mind knowing that they are protected from winter plumbing emergencies.
Need Plumbing or Heating Help? Call Flader Plumbing and Heating Today.
Whether you don’t have hot water or something’s gone wrong with your furnace, Flader Plumbing and Heating is here to help.
With over 100 years of experience protecting Chicagoland homeowners, our team of professionals understands even the most complex plumbing and heating issues, keeping all of your systems up and running, no matter the temperature.
If you need emergency winter plumbing or are looking for yearly maintenance, call Flader Plumbing and Heating today for the service you deserve.
