Frozen and Burst Pipe Repair in Des Plaines and Chicago

Signs That a Water Pipe May Be Frozen

A frozen pipe does not always burst immediately. Warning signs can include:

• Little or no water from one fixture
• Unusually low water pressure
• Frost or condensation on exposed piping
• A pipe that appears swollen or distorted
• Unusual sounds when opening a faucet
• Water stains, dripping or damp building materials
• Water appearing after temperatures rise and the pipe begins thawing

When Several Fixtures Are Affected

If several fixtures stop working, the problem may involve a main branch or another part of the plumbing system. The affected piping should be identified before walls or ceilings are opened unnecessarily.

What to Do When You Find a Frozen Pipe

First, determine whether water is leaking. If a pipe has split or water is escaping, close the accessible main shutoff and move belongings away from the affected area when it is safe to do so.

Leave an affected faucet open so pressure can escape, but do not force a frozen valve or fitting. Avoid torches, open flames and other high-temperature methods that can damage piping, ignite nearby materials or create steam pressure inside the pipe.

If the frozen section is concealed, inaccessible, damaged or near electrical equipment, request professional service.

Frozen-Pipe Diagnosis and Repair

The visible frozen area may not be the only affected section. Our technician evaluates which fixtures have lost water, where the line travels, which areas were exposed to cold air and whether the pipe has already split.

Depending on the findings, service may include:

• Locating the affected pipe section
• Isolating the water supply
• Checking exposed piping and fittings
• Repairing a split or leaking section
• Replacing damaged valves or fittings when authorized
• Testing the repaired piping after water is restored
• Identifying air leaks or unheated spaces contributing to freezing
• Recommending insulation or other reasonable preventive measures

Authorization for Additional Repairs

Any additional repair outside the approved scope will be explained and requires customer authorization.

Common Places Pipes Freeze

Frozen-pipe problems frequently occur in:

• Exterior walls
• Unheated basements and crawl spaces
• Garages
• Cabinets installed against outside walls
• Areas near poorly sealed windows or wall penetrations
• Plumbing above suspended ceilings
• Vacant or lightly heated properties
• Commercial mechanical and utility rooms
• Hose connections and piping near exterior openings

Older Chicago and Suburban Buildings

Older Chicago and suburban buildings may have water lines routed through additions, enclosed porches or remodeled areas where insulation and heat distribution are limited.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before freezing weather arrives:

• Disconnect exterior hoses
• Close and drain exterior water supplies where the system permits
• Keep the building heated
• Open sink cabinets when plumbing is located against an exterior wall
• Seal cold-air openings near pipes
• Insulate accessible piping in unheated areas
• Keep garage doors closed when water lines pass through the garage
• Arrange proper winterization for vacant properties
• Make sure occupants know where the main water shutoff is located

Insulation Alone Is Not Enough

Insulation can slow heat loss, but insulation alone does not create heat. Pipes in severely cold or drafty areas may require correction of the underlying exposure.

Frozen and Burst Pipe Service Across Chicagoland

Right Away Plumbing & HVAC is based at 2093 Rand Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016. We provide frozen-pipe and plumbing service in Des Plaines, Chicago, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Glenview, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Palatine, Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows, Addison, Elmhurst, Lombard, Oak Brook, Hyde Park and surrounding communities.

Call 847-550-3322 for suburban properties. Call 773-250-6060 for Chicago properties. Right Away Plumbing & HVAC is licensed, bonded and insured.

Request Frozen-Pipe Service

If a fixture has stopped receiving water or you suspect a pipe has split, avoid open flames and do not wait for water damage to spread.

Call 847-550-3322 for Des Plaines and the surrounding suburbs. Call 773-250-6060 for Chicago.