Central Illinois winters turn cold fast, and that’s exactly when small plumbing oversights become expensive emergencies. A burst pipe means more than a repair bill. It can mean water damage, ruined flooring and days of cleanup. Here’s what to check before the temperatures drop.
Disconnect outdoor hoses. A hose left on an outdoor spigot traps water that can freeze and crack the pipe inside your wall. Disconnect, drain and store hoses now.
Know your main shut-off. If a pipe does freeze or burst, how fast you shut off the water determines how bad the damage gets. Locate your main shut-off valve and make sure it turns freely.
Insulate exposed pipes. Pipes in crawl spaces, garages, attics and exterior walls freeze first. Foam pipe sleeves are cheap and take minutes to install.
Seal drafts around plumbing lines. Gaps where pipes enter or exit the home let cold air in around the lines. Caulk or foam-seal them.
Let faucets drip on extreme cold nights. Moving water resists freezing much better than standing water. On the coldest nights, a slow drip on exterior-wall faucets is cheap insurance.
Get your water heater checked. It works harder in winter, and sediment or worn components are more likely to fail under that extra demand.
Test your sump pump. Make sure it runs and the discharge line is clear. Frozen or blocked lines can lead to basement flooding.
Don’t ignore low pressure or slow drains. These are early warning signs. Addressed in fall, they’re a quick fix. Ignored, they can become a January emergency.
You don’t have to handle winterizing alone. If you’d like a professional set of eyes on your plumbing before the cold sets in, or you run into an issue along the way, contact your favorite HVAC team. They’re always happy to help.
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