The freezing and bursting of a water supply line or pipes can spell disaster for your home but following these important safety steps can help you avoid costly repairs. 

Water has a unique property in it that causes it to expand as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the “strength” of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Our seven important steps to ensuring you avoid frozen pipes:

1. Drain water from swimming pools and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions.
2. Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors.
3. Consider installing specific products made to insulate pipes.
4. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
5. When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
6. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
7. If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

What should I do if my pipes freeze AND BREAK?

If a water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve which is usually at the water meter or where the main line enters the house. Leave the faucet(s) open until after repairs are completed.

What should I do if I suspect a frozen pipe?

If you open a faucet and no water comes out, don’t take any chances. Call Hobson Plumbing & Heating immediately!

Where are my shutoff valves?

There are two major shutoff valves; the first valve, called a curb stop, is typically located near the property line. The other major valve is typically located in the home next to the water meter. Other valves may be near plumbing appliances such as sinks and toilets. Hobson Plumbing and Heating can walk you through where your valves are located at no charge on any of our visits to your home so you can easily locate them in an emergency.

Need help with freezing or frozen pipes? Hobson Plumbing & Heating is here to help.

The pros at Hobson Plumbing & Heating are here to ensure your plumbing and heating needs are taken care of this winter. Learn more about our plumbing and heating services or call us today at 630-761-3400 to set up an appointment. We primarily service Dupage and Kane counties including North Aurora, Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Naperville and the Tri-Cities area.