Winterizing Your Glenview Home: How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Winter in Glenview can turn freezing overnight. Frozen pipes are a common problem, and they don’t just stop water flow. When they burst, serious water damage can happen fast.     A lot of emergency calls for Water Restoration Service in Glenview, IL begin with frozen or burst pipes. The good thing is, most of this can be avoided.     Why Frozen Pipes Cause So Much Trouble Water expands when it freezes. Pipes aren’t made to handle that pressure. Once the ice builds up, pipes can crack or burst without warning.     The water damage spreads fast. Floors, walls, basements, even furniture can be affected. And then there’s mold risk on top of it. It turns into a big mess very quickly.       Pipes That Freeze First   Some pipes are more likely to freeze than others. These are usually in colder parts of the house.     Keep an eye on:  

• Pipes near outside walls
• Basement and crawl space plumbing
• Garage pipes
• Pipes under sinks

These spots lose heat fast, especially overnight.     Simple Things That Actually Help     You don’t need expensive upgrades to protect your pipes. Small steps can make a big difference.     A few easy tips:    

• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation
• Seal gaps around windows and doors
• Leave cabinet doors open during cold nights
• Let faucets drip a little when it’s very cold

    It may feel small, but these steps help keep water moving and reduce pressure.     Don’t Drop the Heat Too Low     Trying to save money by turning the heat way down can cause problems. Cold indoor temperatures make pipes freeze faster.     Even if you’re away, keep the heat on at a steady level. This is really important during long winter trips.         What If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts     If water comes out slowly or not at all, a pipe may be frozen. Don’t panic.    

• Keep the faucet open
• Warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or space heater
• Never use open flame

If a pipe bursts, turn off the main water supply right away and call for help.     When Water Damage Happens, Move Fast     Sometimes things still go wrong, even when you’re careful. When water damage happens, acting fast is key.     ServiceMaster Cleaning and Restoration Pro offers 24/7 Water Restoration Service in Glenview, IL. We handle water removal, drying, cleanup, and help stop mold before it starts. We also work with insurance, which helps take some stress off.