Frozen Pipes: Prevention and Response for Naperville Homeowners

Naperville winters regularly bring sustained temperatures below freezing. Pipes in unheated areas — crawlspaces, attics, exterior walls, and garages — are most at risk. When water freezes it expands, which can split a copper or plastic supply line. The break often goes unnoticed until a thaw, when water pours out of the split.

Homes built in the 1960s through 1990s with original plumbing are particularly vulnerable because supply lines may run through exterior walls with minimal insulation. Newer construction is not immune — any pipe in an unheated space can freeze.

• Insulate pipes in crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls with foam sleeves or fiberglass wrap.
• Seal gaps where cold air reaches pipes — around vents, wiring penetrations, and exterior wall penetrations.
• Let a faucet served by an exposed pipe drip during the coldest nights; moving water is harder to freeze.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer room air reach the pipes.
• Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature, even at night and when you are away.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses; cover hose bibs with insulated covers.

If a pipe is frozen but has not burst, keep the faucet open. As the pipe thaws, water will start flowing and relieve pressure. Apply heat to the frozen section with a hair dryer or warm towels — never use an open flame. If you cannot reach the frozen section or the pipe has already burst, shut off the main water supply.

Never use a torch, heat gun, or open flame on a pipe. If there is immediate danger to life, health, or safety, call 911.

A burst pipe can flood a Naperville home in hours. Shut off the main water supply, turn off electricity to wet areas if it is safe to do so, and call our 24/7 request line. A provider extracts the water, dries the structure, and documents the loss for your insurance claim. See our burst pipe guide for the full first-hour steps and our emergency water removal page.

Sudden and accidental damage from a burst pipe is often covered under a standard homeowners policy. However, if the insurer determines the pipe froze due to neglect — for example, leaving the heat off during a winter trip — coverage may be disputed. See our Illinois insurance coverage guide and the Illinois Department of Insurance for consumer guidance.