How to Keep Pipes from Freezing in a Chicago Winter

A Chicago homeowner wearing a winter coat, beanie, and gloves inspects an exposed pipe in a cold basement. The pipe is wrapped in foam insulation, and frost is visible on the concrete walls. A small window lets in cold morning light, highlighting the chilly conditions as the homeowner checks the pipe for possible freeze damage.

Chicago winters are no joke. Wind chill drops fast, snow piles up, and a single cold snap can turn a quiet night into a plumbing emergency. Frozen pipes are more than an inconvenience. They can burst, flood your home, and lead to major water damage and mold problems.

The good news: you can reduce the risk with simple steps that work in real homes across Chicago and the suburbs. This guide breaks down how to keep pipes from freezing, what to do during extreme cold, and how to respond if a pipe still bursts.

Why Pipes Freeze and Burst

Water expands when it freezes. That expansion puts pressure on the inside of your pipes. If the pressure builds up enough, the pipe can crack or burst, sending water into walls, ceilings, and basements.

Pipes are most likely to freeze when:

  • Temperatures stay below 32°F, and especially near or below 20°F
  • Pipes sit in unheated or poorly insulated areas
  • Cold air leaks blow across pipes for hours
  • Water inside the pipe does not move

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety notes that frozen pipes are one of the most common sources of winter property damage and can cost thousands of dollars to repair. You can read more about the risk in their frozen pipe guidance from IBHS.

High-Risk Pipes in Chicago Homes

Not every pipe in your home has the same risk. Focus your time and money on the most vulnerable spots first.

Common high-risk pipes include:

  • Pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, and garages
  • Lines behind kitchen or bathroom cabinets on exterior walls
  • Pipes in attics or uninsulated utility rooms
  • Exterior hose bibs, sprinkler lines, and garage spigots
  • Any pipe that runs along a foundation wall or near drafty windows

If you live in an older Chicago home, a bungalow, or a vintage brick building, you may also have plumbing hidden in poorly insulated exterior walls. Those runs are prime candidates for freezing during a deep freeze.

Step 1: Prep Your Plumbing Before Winter

The best time to prevent frozen pipes is before the first real freeze. Build these steps into your fall checklist.

Close-up photo of a homeowner’s hands installing black foam pipe insulation around a cold metal water line in a basement. The pipe has visible condensation, and the background shows a concrete wall, suggesting a cold environment.

1. Insulate exposed pipes

Add pipe insulation to:

  • Basement and crawl space lines
  • Garage plumbing
  • Pipes near drafty exterior walls
  • Lines in unheated utility rooms

Foam pipe sleeves are affordable and easy to install. Even newspaper or temporary wrap offers some protection in milder cold, but proper insulation works better for Chicago temperatures.

For more serious problem areas, consider heat tape or heat cables with an automatic thermostat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely and avoid overlapping the tape.

2. Protect outdoor faucets and irrigation

Before the first hard freeze:

  • Disconnect and drain garden hoses
  • Turn off interior shut-off valves to outside faucets (if you have them)
  • Open the outside spigots so water can drain
  • Install faucet covers on exterior hose bibs
  • Drain in-ground sprinkler or irrigation systems per the manufacturer’s directions

These simple steps lower the chance of a frozen exterior line leading to a leak inside your wall.

3. Seal gaps and improve insulation

Cold air leaks are a big part of frozen pipe problems. Walk your home and look for:

  • Gaps around pipe penetrations in walls, floors, or the rim joist
  • Cracks near windows, foundation openings, and sill plates
  • Drafts in basements, laundry rooms, and utility closets

Use caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping to seal these openings. Adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and basement rim joists can also help stabilize temperatures near plumbing. The U.S. Department of Energy has a clear overview of air sealing and insulation basics if you want to go deeper.

Step 2: What to Do During an Extreme Cold Snap

When Chicagoland dips into single digits or below zero, it is time to switch into “freeze prevention” mode.

A kitchen sink set on an exterior wall with both cabinet doors open below. A small stream of water runs from the faucet into the stainless steel sink. The window above the sink is frosted, showing the cold temperature outside. Warm indoor lighting contrasts with the icy window, and the open cabinet reveals the plumbing inside.

1. Keep water moving

Moving water freezes more slowly than still water. During very cold nights:

  • Let cold water drip from at least one faucet on each level, especially fixtures on exterior walls
  • Focus on the farthest faucet from where water enters your home
  • A slow trickle is enough in most cases

Some insurance and plumbing guides, including Consumer Reports, emphasize that the cost of a small drip is minor compared to a burst pipe and water damage cleanup.

2. Maintain a steady indoor temperature

Avoid large swings in temperature. Instead:

  • Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even at night
  • During severe cold, many experts recommend staying closer to your normal daytime setting
  • If you leave town, do not turn the heat off; keep it at 55°F or above

You can learn more about why steady heat matters in the “What to Do When Your Pipes Burst” guide on the CWF blog, which also covers what to do if the worst happens: What to Do When Your Pipes Burst: A Step-by-Step Guide for Chicago Homeowners

3. Open cabinets and interior doors

Help warm air reach hidden pipes:

  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
  • Leave interior doors open so heat can circulate through the whole home
  • Move cleaning chemicals out of reach of children and pets before you open cabinets

4. Use space heaters safely in problem areas

If you have a cold basement, laundry room, or bathroom:

  • Use a space heater rated for indoor use
  • Keep it clear of flammable materials
  • Plug it directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord

For detailed safety guidance, see CWF’s article on space heater safety tips.

Step 3: Extra Protection for Chicago Homes and Buildings

Chicago’s housing stock is diverse. Single-family homes, garden apartments, condos, and two-flats each have their own challenges.

Older homes and bungalows

  • Have a plumber inspect any exposed supply lines in the basement or crawl space
  • Add shut-off valves where possible so you can isolate exterior lines
  • Consider relocating the most exposed pipes away from outside walls during future renovations

Condo units and multi-family buildings

If you share walls, floors, or ceilings with neighbors:

  • Confirm who controls the main heat and plumbing systems
  • Coordinate with building management about winter settings and pipe insulation
  • Report repeated cold spots or drafts in common areas early

Vacant or seasonal properties

If a property will sit empty through winter:

  • Have a plumber winterize the system by draining lines and appliances
  • Or keep the heat on at 55°F or above and arrange for regular checks
  • Shut off and drain exterior lines and hose bibs

Step 4: What to Do if a Pipe Freezes Anyway

Even with good prevention, a polar outbreak can still catch a vulnerable line. Knowing how to respond can limit damage.

A frosted metal water pipe with visible bulging, suggesting a frozen section inside the pipe.

Signs a pipe may be frozen

  • You turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out
  • A section of pipe looks frosted, bulged, or cracked
  • You notice new water stains on ceilings, walls, or flooring

If you suspect a frozen pipe:

  1. Keep the faucet open. As the ice melts, flowing water helps clear the line.
  2. Gently warm the frozen section. Use:
    • An electric heating pad
    • A hair dryer
    • A space heater nearby (kept away from flammable items)
    • Warm towels
  3. Never use an open flame, blow torch, or fuel-burning heater on pipes.

The American Red Cross offers a simple overview of how to thaw frozen pipes safely.

If you cannot reach the frozen area, or you suspect damage inside a wall, call a licensed plumber.

Step 5: If a Pipe Bursts and You Have Water Damage

If the pipe does burst and water starts to flow, act fast:

  1. Shut off the main water supply.
    • This is usually near where water enters the house or at the meter.
  2. Turn off electricity to any affected area if water is near outlets, wiring, or the breaker panel.
  3. Document the damage with photos and video for your insurance claim.
  4. Start basic cleanup if it is safe:
    • Blot up standing water
    • Move furniture and valuables out of the wet area

Then contact a professional restoration team for full water removal and structural drying. CWF’s emergency crew handles:

You can learn more about our process on the main water damage restoration services page.

For help with insurance paperwork and coverage questions, CWF also offers guidance on working with your insurance company.

How Pipe Freezing Ties into Broader Chicago Storm Preparedness

Frozen pipes usually happen during the same Arctic blasts and winter storms that knock out power and bring down tree limbs. To see how pipe protection fits into your wider severe weather plan, explore:

For general winter storm planning, the federal site Ready.gov’s winter weather guide is also a helpful resource.

FAQs: Keeping Pipes from Freezing

At what temperature do pipes start to freeze?

Pipes can start to freeze any time temperatures drop below 32°F, especially near exterior walls or in unheated spaces. The risk climbs sharply when temperatures stay near or below 20°F for several hours, which is common during Chicago cold snaps.

Should I drip hot or cold water?

You can drip cold water from at least one faucet on each floor. If a line serves both hot and cold to a high-risk bathroom or kitchen, a small drip from that fixture keeps water moving through both supply lines. The key is steady movement, not flow rate.

How do I know which pipes to insulate first?

Start with:

  • Pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, and garages
  • Lines behind cabinets on exterior walls
  • Any pipe you have seen frost or condensation on during past winters

If you are not sure where to start, a plumber or a restoration professional can help you map out the highest risk areas.

What if I already have water damage from a frozen pipe?

If a pipe has burst and you see wet flooring, drywall, or a ceiling stain:

  • Shut off the water
  • Protect people, pets, and valuables
  • Contact a licensed restoration company right away

You can follow our detailed emergency checklist here:
What to Do When Your Pipes Burst: A Step-by-Step Guide for Chicago Homeowners.

Need Help After a Frozen or Burst Pipe?

If a winter storm has already damaged your home, you do not have to handle it alone. The CWF Restoration team is on call 24/7 across Chicago and the suburbs for:

You can reach us anytime through our contact page. We will help you stop the damage, protect your home, and move through the insurance claim process with less stress.

483f09b1606b9577f0c2fa5e116078717cd788bd86fa999f78c4e16e1e2af3d3?s=48&d=mm&r=g

Ryan Majewski

Ryan is the General Manager of CWF Restoration. He brings over a decade of expertise helping homeowners, property managers, and commercial clients recover from water, fire, storm, and structural damage.

Scroll to Top