August marks the perfect time for Bolingbrook homeowners to begin preparing their plumbing systems for the harsh Illinois winter ahead. With temperatures that can plummet to 17°F and extended freezing periods from December through February, proper winterization isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for protecting your home and wallet.
Why Early Preparation Matters
Bolingbrook’s continental climate creates extreme temperature swings that stress plumbing systems. Our area’s clay soil compounds these challenges, as frozen ground becomes rock-hard and transfers more stress to buried pipes. Starting winterization preparations in late summer allows time to address issues before emergency situations arise.
Essential Winterization Tasks
Inspect and Insulate Exposed Pipes
Walk through your basement, crawl spaces, and garage to identify pipes exposed to potential freezing. Pay special attention to pipes along exterior walls or in unheated areas. Professional residential plumbing inspections can identify vulnerable areas you might miss.
Service Your Water Heater
Winter places enormous demand on water heating systems. Schedule professional water heater maintenance and repair to ensure optimal performance when you need it most. Flush sediment, check heating elements, and verify proper insulation around the unit.
Test Sump Pump Systems
Late summer is ideal for sump pump testing before fall rains and spring thaw periods. Pour water into the pit to verify proper operation and consider backup power solutions for winter power outages common during ice storms.
Clear and Inspect Drainage Systems
Remove debris from gutters, downspouts, and floor drains before fall leaves compound the problem. Professional drain cleaning services ensure your systems can handle winter precipitation and spring melt-off without backing up.
Outdoor Plumbing Protection
Disconnect and Drain Hoses
Remove all garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets completely. Water left in hoses or faucets can freeze, causing pipes to burst inside your walls where repairs are expensive and disruptive.
Shut Off Outdoor Water Supplies
Locate and turn off interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets. Open the outdoor faucets to drain remaining water, then close them. This simple step prevents thousands of dollars in freeze damage.
Protect Sprinkler Systems
If you have an irrigation system, schedule professional winterization to blow out all water lines. Even small amounts of water can cause extensive damage when temperatures drop below freezing.
Indoor System Preparation
Check for Air Leaks
Seal gaps around pipes where they enter your home. Cold air infiltration can freeze pipes even inside heated spaces. Pay attention to areas where pipes pass through exterior walls or floors.
Maintain Adequate Heating
Ensure your heating system is ready for winter demands. Keep interior temperatures above 55°F even when away, and open cabinet doors under sinks during extreme cold to allow warm air circulation around pipes.
Know Your Shut-Off Locations
Locate your main water shut-off valve and ensure all family members know how to turn it off quickly. In freeze emergencies, stopping water flow immediately can prevent extensive damage.
Emergency Preparedness
Stock Emergency Supplies
Keep pipe insulation materials, heat tape, and a hair dryer accessible for emergency thawing. Know the warning signs of frozen pipes: no water flow, strange sounds, or visible frost on exposed pipes.
Plan for Power Outages
Ice storms frequently cause extended power outages in our area. Consider backup power for critical systems like sump pumps, or develop plans for maintaining minimal heat during outages.
Professional Assessment Benefits
While homeowners can handle basic winterization tasks, professional assessment identifies hidden vulnerabilities. Our technicians understand how Bolingbrook’s specific climate and soil conditions affect plumbing systems differently than other areas.
We’ve seen how homes built during different decades have unique vulnerabilities, and we tailor winterization strategies accordingly. Early professional assessment often reveals minor issues that are inexpensive to fix now but could become major emergencies in freezing weather.
Don’t Wait for Winter
Frozen pipes don’t just stop water flow—they can burst, causing thousands in damage and leaving families without water during the coldest weather. Professional winterization is an investment that pays for itself by preventing a single major freeze incident.
Start protecting your Bolingbrook home today. Contact RB Plumbing & Sewer at (844) 247-7668 to schedule your comprehensive winterization assessment. Our experienced team will ensure your plumbing system is ready for whatever winter brings to northern Illinois.
