Seasonal Tips January 5, 2026 · 8 min read

Winter Plumbing Tips for Palatine & NW Chicago Suburb Homes

Illinois winters don't mess around. With temperatures regularly dropping below zero, your plumbing faces serious threats from frozen pipes, burst water lines, and overtaxed water heaters. Here's how to protect your Palatine home—and your wallet—this winter.

Every winter, we get dozens of emergency calls from homeowners in Palatine, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and throughout the Midwest Chicago suburbs dealing with frozen or burst pipes. The average cost of water damage from a burst pipe? Over $5,000. The good news: most winter plumbing disasters are preventable with a little preparation.

1. Prevent Frozen Pipes Before They Happen

Frozen pipes are the #1 winter plumbing emergency in the Northwest Chicago suburbs. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands—and that expansion can crack or burst even copper and PVC pipes.

Pipes Most at Risk

• Pipes in unheated areas (garages, crawl spaces, attics)
• Pipes running through exterior walls
• Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines
• Pipes in cabinets against exterior walls (kitchen, bathroom)

Prevention Steps

• Insulate exposed pipes: Use foam pipe insulation (available at any hardware store) on pipes in unheated areas. Pay special attention to pipes in your garage, basement, and crawl spaces.
• Seal air leaks: Cold air drafts accelerate freezing. Seal gaps around pipes where they enter your home, and check for drafts near electrical outlets on exterior walls.
• Keep cabinet doors open: On extremely cold nights, open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.
• Let faucets drip: When temps drop below 20°F, let faucets on exterior walls drip slightly. Moving water is harder to freeze.
• Maintain heat: Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when you're away. The cost of heating is nothing compared to burst pipe repairs.

2. What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Here's what to do:

1. Keep the faucet open. As you thaw the pipe, water needs somewhere to go.
2. Locate the frozen section. Check exposed pipes for frost or bulging.
3. Apply gentle heat. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Never use an open flame or propane torch.
4. Work from the faucet toward the frozen area. This allows water to flow out as it melts.
5. Check all faucets. If one pipe froze, others may be at risk too.

3. Protect Your Water Heater

Your water heater works harder in winter, heating incoming water that's much colder than summer temps. This extra strain can lead to failures—usually at the worst possible time.

Winter Water Heater Tips

• Check the temperature setting: Your water heater should be set to 120°F. Higher settings waste energy; lower settings may not provide enough hot water in winter.
• Insulate the tank: An insulating blanket can reduce heat loss and save energy, especially if your water heater is in an unheated space.
• Flush the tank: Sediment buildup reduces efficiency. Drain a few gallons from the bottom of the tank to remove sediment.
• Check the pressure relief valve: Lift the lever briefly—water should flow out. If not, the valve may need replacement.
• Know the age: Most water heaters last 10-15 years. If yours is approaching that age, plan for replacement before it fails.

4. Don't Forget Outdoor Plumbing

Before the first hard freeze, take care of these outdoor plumbing tasks:

• Disconnect garden hoses: Water left in hoses can freeze back into the spigot and cause damage.
• Shut off outdoor faucets: If you have interior shut-off valves for outdoor spigots, close them and drain the outdoor pipes.
• Winterize sprinkler systems: Blow out irrigation lines with compressed air to prevent freeze damage.
• Insulate outdoor spigots: Use insulated faucet covers (about $5 at hardware stores) for added protection.

5. Know Your Main Water Shut-Off

If a pipe does burst, you need to stop the water flow immediately. Every adult in your household should know where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it.

In most Palatine and NW suburb homes, the main shut-off is located:

• In the basement, near the front foundation wall
• In a utility area near the water heater
• In a crawl space or mechanical room

Test the valve before an emergency—some older valves can seize up if they haven't been operated in years. If yours is stuck or difficult to turn, call a plumber to replace it before winter hits.

6. Signs of Hidden Winter Plumbing Problems

Some winter plumbing issues aren't obvious. Watch for these warning signs:

• Unexplained increase in water bill: Could indicate a hidden leak from frost damage.
• Reduced water pressure: May signal a partially frozen or blocked pipe.
• Strange sounds: Banging or clanking when heat comes on could be thermal expansion issues.
• Musty odors: Hidden water damage from small leaks can cause mold growth.
• Damp spots: Check walls, ceilings, and floors near plumbing for signs of leaks.

Prepare Now, Save Later

A few hours of winterization can save you thousands in emergency repairs and water damage restoration. If you're not comfortable handling these tasks yourself, or if you'd like a professional to inspect your plumbing before winter, we're here to help.

At Little Plumber Boy, we serve homeowners throughout Palatine, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, and all the Midwest Chicago suburbs. Book online for a winter plumbing inspection or call us anytime for emergency service.