When extremely cold weather/temperatures arrive, frozen pipes can pose a dangerous and costly problem for any owner. Water expands as it freezes placing great pressure on metal or plastic pipes. Expanding water can rupture water pipes found in basements, exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets. Time is of the essence in thawing a frozen water line.
Residents can attempt to protect and prevent water lines from freezing and rupturing during extreme cold conditions by observing the following:
- Water meters - Wrap water meters with foam insulation or heat tape if located in unheated or colder areas such as crawl spaces. Periodically, check your meter and attached piping for cracks or leaks, and ensure proper marking and operation of the shut off valve in case of a pipe burst.
- Eliminate drafts - All crawl space and basement vents, and windows and doors should be repaired and closed, ensuring a tight seal exists to keep out cold air.
- Insulate pipes - Insulating pipes in colder or unheated areas such as the crawl space or located adjacent to an outside wall, helps to reduce the possibility of ruptured pipes. Allow warm air to circulate around pipes that are accessible by cabinets and located against outside walls.
- Leave faucet running - Keeping a continuous trickle of cold-water running can help reduce the possibility of a pipe burst due to freezing.
If residents are concerned about possible water problems and damage to unoccupied homes, please contact 847.279.6900, M-F from 7 am to 3:30 pm, to verify if the water service is shut-off at the property.
After 3:30 pm, please contact the Police Department Non-Emergency telephone at 847.459.2632.
Extreme Cold Weather Information (PDF)
Winter Storm Information (PDF)
