How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely in Lombard, IL

The first sign is usually no water or a weak trickle from one faucet while others work. Frost on exposed pipes, a bulging section or a smell from a drain can also point to ice. In the northern Chicago suburbs, pipes along exterior walls, in crawl spaces and in unheated garages freeze first.

• No water or only a trickle at one fixture
• Frost or ice visible on exposed pipe
• Odd gurgling or a smell from a frozen drain line
• A pipe that is bulging or cracked
• Sudden loss of water on the coldest night

Work slowly and use low heat. Start closest to the faucet and move toward the blocked area so water and steam have a path to escape.

1. Open the faucet fully.
2. Warm the pipe with a hair dryer on a medium setting, moving constantly.
3. Alternatively wrap the pipe in towels soaked in hot tap water.
4. Use a heating pad wrapped around the pipe for gentle heat.
5. Keep applying heat until full water pressure returns.
6. Check all connected fixtures and look for leaks.

Once water flows, look for leaks along the pipe and at joints. A crack may be tiny and show only as a slow drip. Check ceilings and walls below the area, and watch the water meter with all fixtures off. If the dial moves, a leak may still exist. Our pipe repair team can fix splits and replace damaged sections.

• Run cold and hot water at each fixture
• Look under sinks and in the basement
• Inspect ceilings and walls for stains
• Read the meter before and after an hour of no use
• Document damage for insurance

• Insulate pipes in attics, garages and crawl spaces
• Seal gaps around cables and vents
• Keep the thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above
• Let faucets drip during a hard freeze
• Open cabinet doors on exterior walls
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

Frozen pipes tend to refreeze in the same places, so permanent fixes such as insulation or rerouting are worth considering.

Northern Illinois winters can hold below freezing for days, so every weak point matters. Pipes run through exterior walls, garage ceilings, crawl spaces and the rim joist area of the basement are the most common trouble spots. Kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls are also vulnerable, especially if cabinet doors stay closed.

• Know your shutoff location before winter
• Keep heat on if you travel
• Ask a neighbor to check the house in extreme cold
• Use a smart thermostat or leak alarm
• Photograph your insulation for future reference

A frozen pipe that is thawed carefully often survives. A pipe that bursts can flood a basement, ruin drywall, flooring and belongings and lead to mold. Acting on the first sign of trouble is almost always cheaper than waiting for damage to appear.

Water and electricity do not mix. Keep hair dryers, heating pads and extension cords out of puddles, and unplug devices if they get wet. Use a ground fault protected outlet when possible. Never leave heat sources unattended, and keep them away from insulation and fabrics.

• Keep cords dry and off wet floors
• Use only devices rated for the job
• Stay in the room while heat is applied
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
• Stop and call for help if the pipe is near wiring