Protect Your Home from Costly Water Damage This Winter

Midwest winters can be beautiful, but freezing temperatures can also create serious problems for homeowners. One of the most common and expensive winter disasters is a burst pipe. When water freezes inside your plumbing, it expands, placing tremendous pressure on the pipe walls. Even a small crack can release hundreds of gallons of water, causing extensive damage to drywall, flooring, furniture, and personal belongings.

Fortunately, a few simple preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes. Here's how you can protect your home this winter.

Why Do Pipes Burst?

Contrary to popular belief, pipes don't actually burst because ice expands inside them. Instead, the pressure created by the blockage forces water to build up between the ice and a closed faucet. As pressure increases, the pipe eventually ruptures at its weakest point.

Homes in Illinois are especially vulnerable because temperatures can quickly drop well below freezing, particularly during overnight cold snaps.

7 Tips to Prevent Burst Pipes

1. Keep Your Home Warm

Even if you're leaving for a weekend or vacation, never turn your heat completely off. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F to help keep pipes warm enough to prevent freezing.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes located in crawl spaces, basements, garages, and attics are the most susceptible to freezing. Foam pipe insulation is an inexpensive way to protect vulnerable plumbing and improve energy efficiency.

3. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Before winter arrives, disconnect all garden hoses and shut off exterior water valves if possible. Water left inside outdoor faucets can freeze and damage indoor plumbing.

4. Seal Drafts Around Your Home

Cold air entering through gaps around windows, doors, crawl spaces, and foundation openings can expose nearby plumbing to freezing temperatures. Sealing these drafts helps protect your pipes while lowering heating costs.

5. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

During severe cold weather, allow faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip slowly. Running water is much less likely to freeze than standing water.

6. Open Cabinet Doors

Kitchen and bathroom pipes located along exterior walls benefit from warmer indoor air. Opening cabinet doors allows heat to circulate around the plumbing during freezing temperatures.

7. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

If a pipe does burst, shutting off the water supply immediately can dramatically reduce water damage. Every homeowner should know the location of their home's main shut-off valve before an emergency happens.

Need Emergency Water Damage Restoration?

If frozen or burst pipes have caused water damage in your home, don't wait. Contact ServiceMaster Today for immediate assistance. We offer 24/7 emergency
response, free estimates, and professional restoration services to help you get back to normal as quickly as possible.