Frozen pipes can leave you without water and can turn into a much bigger problem if the pipe cracks or bursts. Our pipe thawing services in Chicago, IL help restore water flow when plumbing freezes during winter.

At Suburban Plumbing Experts, we'll locate the frozen section, determine whether the pipe has been damaged, and use an appropriate thawing method for the situation. If the pipe has already cracked or burst, thawing alone won't fix the problem. We'll explain what needs to be repaired or replaced and help get your plumbing back in service.

If a frozen pipe has already burst and flooded your home, our guide on what to do after a burst pipe floods your Chicago home explains what to do first.

Pipe Thawing Services in Chicago, IL

A frozen pipe may cause little or no water to come from a faucet, reduce water pressure, or stop water service to part of a building. Pipes are especially vulnerable when they run through exterior walls, garages, crawl spaces, basements, or other areas exposed to cold temperatures.

Our Chicago pipe thawing service is available for both residential and commercial properties. We'll locate the frozen section, thaw it carefully, and check for damage once water flow is restored.

Emergency Pipe Thawing

A frozen pipe should not simply be ignored and left to thaw on its own. The longer a plumbing line remains frozen, the longer the property may be without water and the greater the concern for damage that may become apparent when the pipe thaws.

We'll determine where the pipe is frozen and choose an appropriate method based on the pipe, its location, and the circumstances.

If the pipe has already burst, we can also provide emergency burst pipe repair.

Residential Pipe Thawing

Frozen plumbing can leave part of a home without water or affect several fixtures at once. We can locate the frozen section, restore water flow, and check the plumbing for cracks or leaks after thawing.

If the same pipe has frozen before, we'll also point out conditions that may be contributing to the problem, such as exposed piping or cold air reaching the plumbing.

Commercial Pipe Thawing

A frozen pipe can disrupt a business, apartment building, restaurant, office, or other commercial property. Our commercial plumbers can locate the affected plumbing, thaw the frozen section, and determine whether the freeze caused damage.

Our goal is to restore the affected water service while addressing any repair that is necessary.

Frozen Water Line Repair

Not every frozen water line is located inside a building. Water lines can also freeze in difficult-to-access areas, and a freeze can reveal a damaged section once the line begins to thaw.

If the problem involves a damaged main water line, we can repair or replace the affected water line as needed.

Signs You May Have a Frozen Pipe

A frozen pipe isn't always obvious. Some common signs include:

• Little or no water coming from a faucet during freezing weather
• A sudden drop in water pressure
• One fixture losing water while others continue working
• Frost or ice visible on an exposed pipe
• Plumbing located in an area that has become unusually cold

If only one fixture has stopped working, the frozen section may be somewhere along that branch of the plumbing. If water service has stopped throughout the property, the problem may involve a larger section of the system and should be investigated.

During a prolonged Chicago cold snap, our Chicago hard freeze guide provides additional information about protecting your plumbing.

What to Do When a Pipe Freezes

If you suspect a pipe has frozen, don't use an open flame, torch, or other high-intensity heat source to try to thaw it. These methods can damage plumbing and create a fire hazard.

If you can safely identify the main water shutoff and you're concerned the pipe may have cracked, shutting off the water can help limit damage if the pipe begins leaking.

Also be careful around standing water and electrical equipment. If the frozen pipe is behind a wall, under a floor, in an inaccessible space, or already showing signs of damage, professional help is the safer option.

If you're wondering whether you can safely address an exposed frozen pipe yourself, our guide on how to thaw a frozen pipe in Chicago covers the basics.

Our Pipe Thawing Process

When you call us about a frozen pipe, we start by determining where the freeze has occurred and whether there are signs of damage.

Locate the frozen section: We'll identify the affected portion of the plumbing and determine what may have caused it to freeze.

Choose the appropriate thawing method: Different situations require different approaches. We'll use a method appropriate for the pipe and its location rather than applying excessive heat.

Restore water flow: Once the frozen section has been thawed, we'll check that water is moving normally through the affected plumbing.

Check for damage: A pipe may have been damaged while frozen even if no leak was visible beforehand. We'll check for cracks, leaks, or other problems that need attention.

Explain the next step: If the plumbing needs repair, replacement, insulation, or another correction to reduce the chance of another freeze, we'll explain what we found.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

The best time to deal with a frozen pipe is before it happens.

Pipes located near exterior walls, in crawl spaces, attics, garages, and other cold areas are more vulnerable during extended freezing weather. Insulating exposed plumbing and reducing cold-air exposure can help protect vulnerable sections.

Before winter, disconnect outdoor hoses and make sure your property will remain adequately heated during cold weather. If a particular pipe has frozen before, it's worth finding out why instead of waiting for the next cold snap.

Our guide to checking your Chicago home's plumbing after winter covers some of the areas homeowners should check after a hard winter.

What If the Pipe Bursts While Thawing?

A frozen pipe can contain a damaged section that isn't obvious until the ice begins to melt. Once water starts flowing again, a crack or split may begin leaking.

If that happens, the priority is to shut off the water if it is safe to do so and address the leak. We can inspect the damaged section and determine whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

For an active burst-pipe emergency, see our burst pipe repair service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pipe Thawing

How do I know if my pipe is frozen?

Little or no water from a faucet during freezing weather is one of the most common signs. You may also notice reduced water pressure or frost on an exposed pipe. If only one fixture is affected, the frozen section may be somewhere along that branch of the plumbing.

Can I thaw a frozen pipe myself?

Some accessible frozen pipes may be addressed with gentle warming, but you should never use an open flame or torch. If the pipe is difficult to reach, hidden behind a wall, near electrical equipment, or showing signs of damage, it's better to have a plumber inspect it.

Should I turn off the water if a pipe freezes?

If you believe the pipe has cracked or you see water escaping, shutting off the main water supply can help limit damage. If you're unsure which valve controls the water or cannot safely reach it, contact a plumber.

Can a frozen pipe burst after it starts thawing?

Yes. A pipe can be damaged while frozen, and the leak may not become apparent until the ice melts and water begins flowing again. That's why checking the plumbing after thawing is important.

What causes pipes to freeze?

Pipes are more vulnerable when they're located in cold or poorly protected areas such as exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, attics, and other unheated areas. Air leaks and inadequate insulation can also expose plumbing to freezing temperatures.

Can you thaw frozen water lines?

Depending on the location and condition of the line, we can diagnose frozen water lines and determine the appropriate repair or thawing approach. Some lines may require specialized access or repair if they have been damaged.

Do you provide pipe thawing for businesses?

Yes. We provide pipe thawing for homes, apartment buildings, restaurants, offices, retail properties, and other commercial buildings throughout Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland area.

How can I keep pipes from freezing again?

Insulate vulnerable exposed plumbing, reduce cold-air exposure, keep the property heated during freezing weather, and disconnect outdoor hoses before winter. If a pipe has frozen before, identifying the reason it froze can help reduce the chance of another problem.

Need Pipe Thawing in Chicago?

If a frozen pipe has left you without water, don't wait for the problem to become a larger plumbing emergency. Suburban Plumbing Experts provides pipe thawing for homes and businesses throughout Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland area.

We'll locate the frozen section, determine the appropriate way to thaw it, and check for damage once water flow is restored.

If the pipe has already cracked or burst, we can also handle the necessary repair or replacement.

Call 708-801-6530 for pipe thawing service or emergency plumbing help.