Don’t Let Winter Plumbing Leaks Sneak Up on You
At Polar Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning, we get a lot of emergency calls from O’Fallon IL homeowners during the winter months. And many of those calls have one thing in common — hidden leaks that suddenly turned into major problems.
Cold temperatures can do a number on your plumbing system. Pipes freeze, joints contract, and unnoticed drips can lead to structural damage or mold before you even realize there’s an issue.
In this post, I’ll walk you through our essential winter plumbing tips that help you detect and prevent hidden leaks before they cause trouble.
Why Winter Increases the Risk of Plumbing Leaks
Cold Temperatures Cause Pipe Contraction
As water inside your pipes gets colder, it contracts. This contraction puts pressure on joints and fittings, especially in older plumbing systems. Small cracks can form — and even a minor crack can leak gallons of water over time.
Freezing Pipes = Burst Pipes
Frozen water expands inside your pipes. If pressure builds up too much, it can cause a pipe to burst. Pipes most at risk are those located:
- In uninsulated walls
- Near exterior doors or windows
- In crawl spaces or basements
- Along exterior walls in older homes
Seasonal Inactivity
If you leave your home during the winter — for a vacation, business trip, or even weekend getaway — hidden leaks can develop while you’re away.
Winter Plumbing Tips to Prevent Hidden Leaks
Here are some steps you can take to protect your home this winter:
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape on:
- Basement pipes
- Attic plumbing
- Garage plumbing
- Pipes under kitchen or bathroom sinks
This is especially important in O’Fallon IL homes with unfinished spaces.
2. Let Faucets Drip on Cold Nights
Running a tiny stream of water on the coldest nights can:
- Keep water moving in pipes
- Relieve pressure build-up
- Prevent freezing and bursting
Focus on sinks with pipes that run along exterior walls.
3. Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
Opening cabinet doors allows warm air from your home to reach hidden pipes — especially helpful in kitchens and bathrooms located along exterior walls.
4. Know Where Your Shutoff Valve Is
In the event of a burst pipe or fast-growing leak, knowing where your main shutoff valve is can save you thousands in water damage.
We recommend labeling it clearly and teaching all adult members of your household how to use it.
5. Check for Early Signs of Leaks
Do routine checks for:
- Damp spots on walls, floors, or ceilings
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Moldy or musty smells
- Unexplained spikes in your water bill
If anything seems off, schedule a plumbing inspection with our team right away.
Winter Plumbing Services We Offer in O’Fallon IL
Frozen Pipe Repair
If your pipes freeze or burst, call us immediately. Our 24/7 emergency plumbers can:
- Safely thaw frozen pipes
- Repair or replace damaged sections
- Prevent future freezing with insulation
Leak Detection Services
We use advanced moisture meters and thermal imaging to track down hidden leaks behind walls and under floors.
Winter Plumbing Maintenance
Our winter-ready plumbing maintenance includes:
- Insulating exposed pipes
- Testing water pressure and flow
- Inspecting joints, valves, and seals
- Evaluating water heaters and supply lines
Why Choose Polar Plumbing for Cold Weather Protection?
As local plumbers serving O’Fallon Illinois, we understand how Midwest winters affect your plumbing. Our team brings:
- Years of experience with cold weather plumbing repair
- 24/7 emergency service when you need it most
- Personalized winterization advice based on your home’s layout
- Affordable maintenance and repair plans
Schedule Winter Plumbing Protection Today
Call Polar Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning today to winterize your home and prevent hidden plumbing leaks!
We’re here to help with:
- Leak detection
- Pipe insulation
- Frozen pipe repair
- Preventative plumbing inspections
Don’t wait for a hidden leak to become a major repair — trust Polar Plumbing to keep your O’Fallon IL home safe and dry all winter long
