Frozen Pipes and Flooding in Chicago
Chicago’s winters often bring extreme cold, and single-family homes are particularly vulnerable to burst pipes due to aging construction, poorly installed plumbing, insufficient insulation, inadequate air sealing, and lapses in preventive maintenance. The risk is significant, with an annual average of 105.7 days below freezing (32°F) and about 39 days below freezing for 24 hours. Additionally, temperatures dip below 0°F on 6 nights per year at Midway Airport and 8 nights at O’Hare Airport, with January being the coldest month. The frequency of subzero days varies widely, with years like 1963 seeing 31 subzero days while others have none.
- Which pipes in my home are most susceptible to freezing?
- What type of insulation is best for preventing frozen pipes?
- How can I tell if my current insulation is adequate?
- Are there additional steps to protect pipes beyond insulation?
- What should I do if my pipes freeze despite taking preventive DIY measures?
Homeowners can effectively safeguard their plumbing systems during Chicago’s harsh winters by addressing these common concerns and implementing recommended preventive measures, including work by Chicago Green Insulation, plumbers, and potentially other trades.
Causes of Burst Pipes
Burst pipes occur when water freezes, expands, and increases pressure within the plumbing. Damage often happens when the ice thaws and the pressure causes leaks. Common contributing factors include:
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Poorly Located Plumbing
Homeowners often request plumbing installations in areas that are convenient for living but unsuitable for extreme cold. Vulnerable locations include:
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- Uninsulated interior or exterior walls
- Crawl spaces
- Overhangs in additions
- Roof extensions without proper air sealing and insulation
Even minor modifications, like adding a wired doorbell, can expose pipes to freezing if air gaps or unsealed openings are left near the plumbing.
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Air Leaks
Cracks or openings in walls, floors, and foundations allow cold air to infiltrate, exposing pipes to freezing temperatures. For example, siding renovations often result in unsealed seams or gaps that worsen drafts, compromising pipe safety.
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Thermostat Settings
Maintaining consistent indoor temperatures is crucial. Setting thermostats too low or turning off the fan can allow cold pockets to form, increasing the risk of frozen pipes. Using the fan’s “On” setting instead of “Auto” helps circulate warm air throughout the home.
Preventive Measures
To minimize the risk of burst pipes, homeowners can take several precautions:
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Insulate Exposed Pipes
Use pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape in unheated areas to reduce exposure to freezing temperatures.
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Seal Air Leaks
Identify and seal gaps near pipes with caulk or weatherstripping. Pay special attention to crawl spaces, windows, and exterior walls.
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Maintain Indoor Temperatures
Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature, even at night or when away, and never lower it below 55°F.
Use the fan to circulate air evenly, reducing cold spots in the home.
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Allow Faucets to Drip
During extreme cold, letting faucets drip keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.
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Open Cabinet Doors
For sinks on exterior walls, opening cabinet doors lets warm air circulate around the pipes.
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Use Recirculation Lines
Installing recirculation systems for new plumbing can help keep water moving and prevent freezing.
Case Studies
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Glen Ellyn Incident (December 2022)
A family moved their toilet from an interior wall to an exterior wall during a renovation. The water line froze when temperatures dropped before Christmas, leaving the family without running water. They had to rely on relatives for showers and shut off their water supply to avoid a burst pipe.
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Basement Wet Bar Disaster (Naperville 2021)
A homeowner added a wet bar near the front door, with plumbing routed from a second-floor bathroom. Unknown to the handyman, the pipe ran within 3 inches of an unsealed doorbell opening. While the family was on vacation, the pipe burst, flooding the basement and causing $200,000 in damage.
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Basement Bathroom Redesign (January 2024)
A family installed a bathroom in their basement and routed the plumbing along the rim of the foundation to preserve the open floor plan. Poor air sealing and insulation left the pipes exposed to freezing temperatures, and within six months, the plumbing burst during a cold spell, causing $80,000 in damage.
Conclusion
These incidents illustrate the dangers of neglecting preventive measures for pipes during Chicago’s extreme winters. Homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of burst pipes by addressing vulnerabilities such as poor insulation, unsealed air gaps, and inconsistent indoor temperatures. Regular maintenance, thoughtful design choices, and proactive steps—like insulating pipes and maintaining consistent heating—are essential for safeguarding your home against winter’s challenges.
If you are concerned about any of the above, either while planning a change or trying to avoid a disaster, give us a call at Chicago Green Insulation, and we will keep you safe from the worst outcomes. Comfort is only a FOAM CALL AWAY! 847-987-3626
With ten years of experience selling spray foam insulation in Chicago, Tom Decker is THE person to call and the Chicago Green Insulation is the organization to hire when you are looking for top notch quality and performance as well as someone who can deal with the needs of code officials, home owners and general contractors. Call the others in Chicago, if you are interested in the cheapest price, call Chicago Green Insulation if you are interested in using your dollars to make Chicago a better city for all of us!
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Chicago Green Insulation
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Chicago Green Insulation