Chicago winters test every pipe in the house. On January 30, 2019, O’Hare dropped to 23 degrees below zero, the coldest Chicago reading in 34 years. Freezing weather is expensive here, too. In its January 2026 report, State Farm said it paid more than $628 million on over 20,000 frozen pipe claims from 2024 through June 2025, with an average claim above $30,000, and Illinois ranked first among states in total claim costs.
Here is what we walk homeowners through on the phone, in order, from keeping pipes from freezing to thawing one safely to the first hour after one bursts.
Why do pipes freeze and burst?
Water expands as it freezes, and that expansion can break a pipe no matter how strong it is, according to the American Red Cross. State Farm says pipes in attics, crawl spaces and exterior walls are most at risk, especially when temperatures fall below 20°F.
The Red Cross lists the pipes most likely to freeze.
- Outdoor hose bibs, pool supply lines and sprinkler lines
- Supply pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages
- Pipes under kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- Pipes along exterior walls with little or no insulation
If you live in an older bungalow or two-flat, walk the basement with that list in hand. Check the wall where the water service comes through the foundation, any pipes on outside walls, and plumbing near an enclosed porch or garage.
A small crack goes a long way. State Farm notes that a one-eighth inch crack can spray more than 250 gallons of water a day.
How do I keep my pipes from freezing?
- Keep the heat steady. The Red Cross advises the same thermostat setting day and night, and no lower than 55°F if you travel. Triple-I suggests 65°F, because the inside of a wall can be colder than the room.
- Let a trickle run. The Chicago Department of Water Management recommends a trickle of cold water on each floor, at the faucets farthest from where the main water service enters the home.
- Open sink cabinets on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes. Move cleaners out of children’s reach while the doors are open.
- Insulate exposed pipes with pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape or heat cable, as the Red Cross recommends. The City also suggests insulating outdoor pipes and pipes along the home’s perimeter.
- Shut down outdoor faucets. Disconnect garden hoses, close the indoor valve that feeds each hose bib, and leave the outdoor bib open so trapped water can drain. The City suggests a foam insulating cap over each bib.
- Close up drafts. Fix broken windows and seal openings that let cold air in. Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through the garage.
- Find your main shutoff valve now. Triple-I and State Farm both say to learn where it is and how it works before you need it.
Leaving for a long trip? Triple-I suggests having a professional drain the water system and asking a neighbor to check the house. State Farm points out that shutting off the water also shuts off any fire sprinklers.
How can I tell if a pipe is frozen?
A faucet that gives only a trickle, or nothing at all, is the usual sign. The Red Cross says to check pipes against exterior walls and where the water service enters through the foundation. If one faucet is frozen, check the others, because one frozen pipe can mean more.
How do I thaw a frozen pipe safely?
Leave the faucet open so water can flow as the ice melts. Warm the pipe gently, starting near the faucet and working toward the frozen section, as State Farm recommends. Keep going until full water pressure returns.
| Method | Safe to use? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Electric hair dryer | Yes | Only when you are not standing in water |
| Electric heating pad | Yes | Recommended by the Red Cross and the City of Chicago |
| Towels soaked in hot water | Yes | Wrap them around the frozen section |
| Portable space heater | With care | Keep it away from anything flammable |
| Torch, candle, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove | No | Open flame is a fire hazard |
If you can’t find the frozen spot, can’t reach it, or can’t thaw it, call a licensed plumber.
What do I do first when a pipe bursts?
- Shut off the main water valve and leave the faucets open, as State Farm advises.
- Keep clear of electricity. Stay away from electrical appliances near standing water. Shut off breakers only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. If you can’t, ComEd says to call 800-334-7661 so they can shut off power at the meter.
- Call a licensed plumber to repair the break.
- Photograph and video the damage before cleanup. Triple-I says to then take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage and keep records of what you did.
- Call your insurance company to report the loss.
- Start drying right away. The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold.
Water from a burst pipe can end up where you can’t see it. EPA lists the back of drywall, the underside of carpet pads and the inside of walls near pipes as common places for hidden mold. That is why our burst pipe water damage work starts with finding where the water went, not just where it came out.
Does homeowners insurance cover a burst frozen pipe?
Often, yes. Triple-I lists freezing of a plumbing, heating, air conditioning or sprinkler system as a covered peril on HO-2, HO-3, renters (HO-4) and condo (HO-6) policies. It is not on the basic HO-1 or HO-8 forms.
The sample HO-3 policy that Triple-I publishes adds a condition. Freeze coverage applies if you used reasonable care to keep heat in the building, or to shut off the water supply and drain the system. Your own policy is the final word, so read it or ask your agent.
A few habits help any water claim.
- Save receipts for emergency repairs and supplies.
- Keep damaged items until the adjuster has seen them.
- Make a list of what was damaged, with receipts if you have them.
Our insurance claims page explains how we document a loss for your adjuster.
If you rent in Chicago, your landlord has a role too. The City’s Heat Ordinance requires at least 68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and 66°F overnight, from September 15 through June 1, and renters without adequate heat can call 311.
When to call a restoration company
Call us when water has reached carpet, drywall, ceilings or a finished basement, or when you aren’t sure how far it spread. A person answers 24/7. We ask what happened, whether the water is off, and whether the power in the wet area is safe. Then we send a crew to remove the water and set up drying for your water damage restoration. We photograph and record the damage and the drying as we go, so your insurance company has what it needs.
If you smell gas, see sparks or have any emergency, leave the house and call 911 first. When everyone is safe, contact us.