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Frozen Pipes: Prevention & Solutions

January 14, 2025



When temperatures drop, it’s essential to take extra care of the pipes in your home. Frozen pipes are one of the main risks of property damage when temperatures fall below freezing. Make sure you're prepared and protect your home today!
Preventing Frozen Pipes
· If you have pipes that are exposed to cold air, such as in attics or crawlspaces make sure they are fitted with proper insulation or heat tape.
· Caulk any cracks or holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes. Repair any broken windows in basements.
· Close and cover exterior crawl space vents with foam board insulation for the winter (remember to re-open the vents in the springtime).
· Mobile home residents should check that heat tape is applied properly and working.
· In frigid temperatures, run your hot and cold faucets at a trickle to relieve excessive pressure, which could cause pipes to rupture.
· For sinks on outside walls, leave cabinet doors open to allow room air to circulate and warm pipes.
· Disconnect all exterior water hoses.
· If you plan to be away from your home for a few days, don’t lower the thermostat below 58 to 60 degrees. For extended periods away from home, shut off the main water valve and drain the entire system.

Dealing With Frozen Pipes
If you have frozen pipes, then you must determine the pipes that have been affected and determine the best method for thawing them out. Before taking action, you might want to consult a professional plumber.
If a pipe has burst and it is possible to reach your main water valve without standing in water, shut it off. If there is standing water or if you can’t locate your main valve, call the CWLP Water Division immediately at 217-789-2323 ext. 2 and a crew member will come to your home to shut your water off for you. This is also the time to call your plumber to repair the broken pipe.
· If a pipe hasn’t burst, turn on all water faucets. Pipes that aren’t completely frozen may thaw out due to the incoming water being above freezing. Leaving faucets open slightly will also help prevent pipes from breaking as they thaw.
· If you’re unsure where the frozen section of pipe may be, first warm the pipe closest to where water enters the home. This will help prevent further freezing and may quicken the thawing process.
· If you use electric heat tape, a hair dryer or other electrical equipment to thaw pipes, never leave them unattended and be careful of possible electric shock. Under no circumstance should you use electrical equipment if you or the electrical equipment will be exposed to standing water. Never attempt to thaw pipes with an open flame such as a propane torch. This may cause the pipes to explode and could start a fire.
· If some fixtures are still able to run water, it is possible that the problem is not a frozen water pipe. In this case you may want to call a plumber.