Why Pipes Freeze — And How to Stop It From Ruining Your Chicagoland Home

Winter weather in Chicagoland is known for its harsh temperatures, icy conditions, and all-too-common plumbing disasters. One of the most damaging and expensive emergencies homeowners face during deep freezes is a burst pipe. In just a few hours, hundreds of gallons of water can flood your home or business, leading to severe structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we respond to frozen pipe emergencies across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County every winter. The good news is that these emergencies are almost always preventable with the right preparation.

Here’s what causes pipes to freeze—and how you can keep your property safe before the next deep freeze hits.

Why Do Pipes Freeze in the First Place?

Water expands as it freezes. This expansion builds extreme pressure inside pipes, especially when water is trapped between the ice blockage and a closed faucet. That pressure can cause even strong pipes made of copper or PVC to rupture.

A small crack can release more than 200 gallons of water per day, quickly soaking walls, ceilings, floors, and furnishings.

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?

Pipes that are vulnerable to freezing are typically:

• Located along exterior walls with little or no insulation
• Found in unheated spaces like attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages
• Connected to outdoor plumbing such as hose bibs, sprinkler systems, or pool lines
• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially in older homes with outdated insulation

If your property is in an area like Rogers Park, Evanston, Skokie, or Elmhurst, and was built before modern insulation standards, it may be especially prone to pipe freeze-ups.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Proactive steps taken before and during cold weather can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Follow this checklist:

Before Freezing Temperatures Arrive

• Drain sprinkler systems, garden hoses, and swimming pool supply lines
• Shut off and drain outdoor spigots
• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawlspaces
• Install UL-listed pipe insulation, heat tape, or heat cable on exposed pipes
• Seal gaps and cracks in exterior walls, windows, and foundations

During Freezing Weather

• Keep interior cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
• Let cold and hot water faucets drip slowly to relieve pressure and keep water moving
• Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night—minimum 68°F
• Close garage doors to protect water supply lines in adjacent walls

If You’re Leaving Town

• Leave your thermostat set no lower than 55°F
• Shut off the main water supply and drain the plumbing system, if safe to do so
• Ask someone to check on your home every few days

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Take the following steps:

1. Shut off the main water supply immediately.
2. Use a space heater or hair dryer to thaw the pipe—never use an open flame.
3. Open all faucets to help relieve pressure and allow water to flow once thawed.
4. If the pipe is located inside a wall or has burst, contact a plumber and call a water damage restoration company right away.

Rapid Response for Frozen Pipe Water Damage

A burst pipe during an overnight freeze or while you're away can cause extensive damage before anyone realizes there's a problem. If you return to standing water, wet drywall, or buckled flooring, professional restoration is the fastest way to prevent long-term damage.

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency response for burst pipes and water damage throughout:

• Chicago neighborhoods (Lincoln Park, West Loop, Portage Park)
• North Shore suburbs (Wilmette, Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park)
• Lake County (Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Deerfield)
• DuPage County (Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Hinsdale)

Our IICRC-certified team uses commercial-grade drying equipment and advanced moisture detection to fully restore your home or business.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What temperature causes pipes to freeze?

Pipes commonly freeze when temperatures fall below 20°F, especially if they are exposed or uninsulated. Wind chill can worsen the risk by introducing cold air through cracks or openings.

2. How long does it take for a pipe to freeze?

Under the right conditions, water inside a pipe can freeze in as little as six to eight hours of sustained subfreezing temperatures. Pipes in unheated spaces will freeze faster than those inside conditioned areas.

3. Should I let water drip to prevent freezing?

Yes. Letting both hot and cold water lines drip slightly helps relieve pressure and keeps water flowing through the pipes, which lowers the risk of freezing.

4. How do I know if a pipe has frozen?

If you notice very low or no water flow from a faucet during freezing weather, it’s a strong indication that a pipe may have frozen. Frost on visible pipes or unusual noises in the plumbing can also be warning signs.

5. What should I do if a pipe bursts?

Immediately shut off your main water supply and contact a licensed plumber. Then call a professional restoration company to start emergency water extraction, drying, and damage mitigation.

6. Can frozen pipes lead to mold growth?

Yes. If a pipe bursts and water damage is not dried quickly, mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours. Mold remediation may be required if the affected areas are not professionally dried and treated.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a trusted leader in disaster restoration services across Chicagoland. With over 40 years of local experience and deep winter response expertise, we specialize in:

• Water and flood damage restoration
• Mold remediation and odor removal
• Fire and smoke damage cleanup
• Specialty cleaning services

We are an IICRC Certified Firm, MBE/WBE Certified, and recipients of numerous national and local honors including the BBB Torch Award, the Stevie® Award, and recognition from the Village of Skokie.

Led by IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer Sam Simon and CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, our company is proud to serve:

• Chicago
• North Shore
• Lake County
• DuPage County

We are also the authors of the nationally published guidebook:
RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset