How do I prevent frozen pipes in winter?

To prevent frozen pipes during an Illinois cold snap, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses in the fall, insulate pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces and garages, keep your home above about 55°F even when away, and on the coldest nights let a faucet drip and open cabinet doors so warm air reaches the pipes under sinks.

The pipes most at risk are the ones along exterior walls and in unheated spaces — those are where insulation and a trickle of moving water make the biggest difference.

If a pipe does freeze, keep the faucet open, apply gentle warmth (never an open flame), and call a plumber if you can't get flow back or suspect it has already burst.