Winters in Crystal Lake, Illinois, aren’t only windy, snowy, and cold weather–they also bring freezing temperatures that can pose serious problems to homeowners. As temperatures drop, the risk of pipes freezing and cracking or bursting as the temperature rises becomes more and more common and frequent. Our team at A-1 Restoration is more than happy to share preventative measures to prevent winter water damage.
The Cause Behind Frozen Pipes and Water Damage
Understanding the cause of frozen pipes can help you understand the problem and preventative measures. As soon as temperatures reach the freezing point, the water within the pipes along your home can freeze. While the pipes are frozen, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe walls. If the pressure builds up, it can cause a pipe to crack or burst, causing an influx of water damage into your home quickly. With temperatures elevating and decreasing, water begins to thaw and flow again, creating a force that may cause a crack, leak, or pipe burst.
Crystal Lake experiences, on average, the lowest temperature is 15°F, and the highest of 34°F throughout the month of February. It’s predictable that the pipes will undergo strain as the water freezes and thaws throughout the month. The next best step is to be prepared and protect your pipes now to save you from unexpected water damage and prevent an extensive water damage restoration project.
Five Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes
The following are practical steps you can take to avoid the hassle and expense of water damage this winter:
Insulating Your Pipes
One of the most practical ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is by insulating them in exposed or colder areas. These locations include your basement, attic, garage, crawl space, and even your cellar. Insulating your pipes is much more affordable than many expect, and it’s simple to install. This provides a good protection during the freezing temperatures and thawing times.
Pro Tip: Foam pipe and heat tape are a quick, low-cost way to add insulation to your pipes. You apply either one to vulnerable areas where the temperature is most affected by the cold.
Keeping Your Home Heated, Even When You’re Not Home
Taking time away from home is an excellent way to create memories and enjoy activities with loved ones. As you plan to leave your house for an extended period of time, be sure to set the thermostat in your home to at least 55°F to ensure that your home is warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing.
Pro Tip: There are smart thermostats that allow you to set the temperatures of your home’s furnace remotely. This brings a sense of peace, knowing what’s happening at home instead of coming home to an unexpected water damage restoration event.
Seal any Visible Gaps and Cracks
It’s common for homes to have cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation, especially if it’s an older home. With time, homes shift, and gaps are formed. The drafts that come through these small gateways can quickly decrease the temperatures and allow the pipes to freeze.
Pro Tip: You can utilize weather stripping, caulk, or expandable foam to take care of any cracks or gaps where cold air may be entering. Ensure you keep a close eye on the areas where pipes are susceptible to lower temperatures.
Dripping Faucets
With temperatures expected to decrease significantly, allowing a slow or thin stream of water to drip from your faucets can assist in preventing your pipes from freezing. Waterflow is less likely to freeze, meaning it can relieve pressure and prevent ice buildup.
Pro Tip: Pipes located along exterior walls can benefit the most from this trick as they are more prone to freezing.
Leaving Cabinet Doors with Pipes Open
Pipes that are located beneath the sinks, especially those along the exterior walls, need to have the cabinet doors left open to allow enough warm air to keep the pipes at room temperature. This small step can make a considerable difference, especially during colder temperatures.
Pro Tip: Keeping your home at a steady temperature helps enough warm air to reach any enclosed areas.
What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze
With all of the preventative measures taken, it is still possible to have frozen pipes. The following are the next best steps:
Turn off the Central Water Supply: Locate your main water shutoff valve and turn it off if it is safe to do so. This will help minimize further water damage.
Call a Local Water Damage Restoration Team: Water damage restoration teams have the skill, training, and experience to decrease additional damage and take of the water damage within your space quickly. Trying to take care of the water damage restoration yourself can cause further problems and additional damage.
Water Damage Restoration Service in Crystal Lake, IL
Preparing your Crystal Lake home for winter is all about taking proactive steps to protect against the potential damage caused by frozen pipes. By insulating pipes, maintaining a consistent home temperature, sealing gaps, and keeping an eye on vulnerable areas, you can save yourself the headache and expense of water damage repair. Stay safe, stay warm, and let’s make this winter as worry-free as possible!
A-1 Restoration, a water damage restoration service company based in Illinois, specializes in water damage restoration services for Crystal Lake homes. In the unfortunate event that water damage occurs, our team is here to help restore your home with minimal stress and disruption.