Heading out of town this winter? Call Polar today at 618.772.7007 to schedule a home plumbing check before your winter vacation.
When you’re planning a relaxing winter getaway, the last thing on your mind should be your pipes back home. Yet, each year, countless homeowners return from vacation to find frozen pipes, water damage, or burst lines due to unaddressed plumbing issues. Cold weather in Collinsville, IL, can wreak havoc on your home plumbing, especially when left unattended.
At Polar, we understand the importance of winter readiness, especially when your house will sit empty. We help families and property managers prepare their plumbing systems so they can travel with confidence. Taking just a few simple steps now can prevent thousands of dollars in damages later. Whether you’re leaving for a week or a month, professional plumbing preparation ensures peace of mind throughout your winter vacation.
Why Winter Plumbing Prep is Essential Before You Travel
The winter months bring freezing temperatures that can put immense pressure on your pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. This expansion can cause even the strongest pipes to crack or burst, especially if the plumbing is old, uninsulated, or located near exterior walls. And when no one is home to notice a leak, the damage can be catastrophic by the time you return.
Leaving your house unattended for any extended period during winter means that your heating system, water heater, and water lines are all at risk of damage. Homes in Collinsville frequently experience overnight freezes, and even a small draft can cause pipes in basements, attics, and garages to reach critical temperatures. A single broken pipe can leak hundreds of gallons of water, causing damage to floors, walls, insulation, and valuable belongings.
The key to avoiding disaster is proper plumbing maintenance and inspection before you leave. Polar can help ensure every part of your system is winter-ready, from drain cleaning to checking shut-off valves.
Schedule a plumbing inspection with Polar today before your winter vacation begins.
How to Prepare Your Home Plumbing for a Winter Vacation
Effective plumbing preparation starts with a thorough inspection. At Polar, our skilled technicians conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s plumbing system, identifying any potential vulnerabilities. Then, we help you complete these essential tasks before you head out of town:
- Turn off and drain your main water supply (if permitted by your heating system) to prevent pressure buildup.
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, crawl spaces, and attics to prevent heat loss.
- Set your thermostat no lower than 55°F to keep pipes from freezing.
- Have your water heater checked, especially if it’s older or hasn’t been serviced in the last year.
- Clear out drains and garbage disposals to prevent odors and clogs.
- Check sump pumps and battery backups, especially if snowmelt or rain is possible during your absence.
If your system requires it, we can even help you install smart leak detectors or shut-off valves that notify you via phone if a problem occurs. These preventive steps not only help avoid emergency plumbing services, but they also let you enjoy your trip without worrying about your home.
What Happens When You Don’t Prepare Your Plumbing?
Failing to prepare your home plumbing before a vacation can lead to major headaches and steep repair bills. Pipes that freeze and burst can flood your home, cause long-term structural damage, or even create dangerous mold growth. And when left unchecked for days or weeks, these issues become exponentially worse.
Some of the most common problems homeowners in Collinsville face after an unprepared winter trip include:
- Burst pipes from freezing and thawing cycles
- Malfunctioning sump pumps leading to basement flooding
- Cracked water heaters from sediment buildup and cold exposure
- Drain backups and odors from dried or clogged traps
- Expensive water bills from unnoticed leaks
In many cases, insurance companies may limit coverage if they determine that damages occurred due to negligence. That’s why we stress the importance of scheduling a plumbing inspection and following a customized winter prep checklist before you leave.
Let Polar help you protect your investment—call today before winter catches you off guard.
Trust Polar to Keep Your Collinsville Home Safe During Your Vacation
At Polar, we specialize in protecting homes and businesses in Collinsville, IL, from winter plumbing problems. Our team of licensed, experienced technicians works quickly and carefully to prepare your system for any seasonal threat. Whether you’re heading to Florida for a few days or escaping to the mountains for weeks, we’ll ensure your plumbing is ready to handle freezing temperatures in your absence.
Why choose Polar?
- Local experts who understand Illinois winters
- Custom plumbing solutions based on your home’s layout and age
- Full-service capabilities including pipe insulation, water heater service, and drain cleaning
- Friendly, trustworthy technicians who treat your home like their own
- Flexible scheduling and upfront pricing
We’ll walk you through every step of your vacation prep so nothing is left to chance. Our goal is simple: to help you enjoy your break without coming home to a plumbing nightmare. Contact our team today for exceptional service.
Book Your Winter Vacation Plumbing Prep with Polar Today
Winter vacations are meant for rest and relaxation, not stress and surprise repairs. Let Polar give you peace of mind before you head out of town. From quick fixes to comprehensive inspections, we’ll ensure your home’s plumbing system is secure, efficient, and ready for the cold.
Call Polar today at 618.772.7007 to schedule your winter vacation plumbing preparation in Collinsville, IL. We’re proud to help local families stay safe and worry-free, no matter how far their travels take them.
