Frozen & Broken Pipe Repair in Arlington Heights, IL

We provide 24/7 frozen pipe emergency response throughout Arlington Heights:

Emergency Pipe Thawing — We safely thaw frozen pipes using controlled heat application methods (heat tape, heat guns, warm water application). We never use open flames, which can damage pipes and create fire hazards.

Burst Pipe Repair — When a frozen pipe has already burst, we shut off the water supply, cut out the damaged section, and make a permanent repair using appropriate materials (copper, PEX, or CPVC depending on the existing system). We don't use temporary clamps or patches that fail later.

Water Damage Mitigation — We stop the water source immediately and advise on water extraction and drying. We can refer trusted water damage restoration companies in Arlington Heights for extensive flooding.

Pipe Insulation & Prevention — After making repairs, we insulate vulnerable pipes to prevent repeat freeze events. This includes adding foam pipe insulation, heat tape for high-risk areas, and improving cold air sealing around pipe penetrations.

Certain areas of Arlington Heights homes are consistently more vulnerable to frozen pipes:

Exterior Walls — Supply lines running through exterior walls (common in kitchens and bathrooms on outside walls) are exposed to the coldest temperatures. Ranch homes and split-levels built in the 1950s–1970s — which make up a large portion of Arlington Heights housing — often have pipes in exterior walls with minimal insulation.

Unheated Garages — Water supply lines for laundry tubs, utility sinks, or hose bibs that pass through or are located in unheated attached garages.

Crawlspaces — Homes with crawlspace foundations (less common in Arlington Heights but present in some areas) have exposed pipes vulnerable to frigid air.

Attic Spaces — In some Arlington Heights homes, supply lines for second-floor bathrooms route through unheated attic spaces. These are extremely vulnerable during cold snaps.

Hose Bibs (Outdoor Faucets) — If outdoor faucets aren't properly shut off and drained before winter, the pipe section inside the wall can freeze and burst. Frost-free sillcocks prevent this but only if the hose is disconnected.

Basement Rim Joist Area — The area where the foundation meets the framing is often poorly insulated, and pipes running near the rim joist are vulnerable to cold air infiltration.

Catching frozen pipes before they burst can save you thousands in water damage:

No water from a faucet — If you turn on a faucet and get nothing (or just a trickle) during freezing weather, the supply pipe is likely frozen. Check if the issue affects one fixture or multiple — this helps us locate the freeze point.

Frost on exposed pipes — Visible frost on a pipe in the basement, crawlspace, or under a sink is an obvious indicator.

Unusual sounds — Banging, clanking, or gurgling sounds when you open a faucet can indicate ice restricting flow.

Bulging or cracked pipe — If you can see the frozen section, look for bulging, cracking, or ice crystals at joints. A visibly deformed pipe has likely already burst and will flood when thawed.

Water stains appearing during a thaw — After a cold snap, water stains on ceilings or walls can indicate a pipe froze and burst in a concealed location, with the leak only becoming apparent as ice melts.

What to do if you suspect frozen pipes:

1. Turn off the water main immediately as a precaution
2. Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure
3. Call us for professional thawing — do NOT use a torch or open flame
4. Check for visible damage before turning water back on

Proactive winterization is far cheaper than emergency frozen pipe repair:

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes — Foam pipe insulation on all exposed pipes in unheated areas (basement, garage, crawlspace, attic). For high-risk areas, use thermostatically controlled electric heat tape that activates automatically when temperatures drop.

Seal Cold Air Gaps — Caulk and seal gaps where pipes penetrate exterior walls, the foundation, or the rim joist. Even small gaps allow frigid air to reach pipes.

Disconnect & Drain Outdoor Hoses — Before the first freeze, disconnect all garden hoses, close the interior shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, and open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water. If you don't have an interior shutoff, install one — or upgrade to a frost-free sillcock.

Keep Cabinet Doors Open — During extreme cold, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors on exterior walls to allow warm room air to circulate around pipes.

Maintain Minimum Heat — Never set your thermostat below 55°F, even when away from home. If you're leaving for vacation during winter, consider having someone check the house daily or install a smart thermostat with low-temperature alerts.

Know Your Main Shutoff — In an emergency, shutting off the water main immediately prevents a burst pipe from flooding your home. Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to operate it.

Professional Winterization Service — We offer pre-winter plumbing inspections that identify vulnerable pipes, test shutoff valves, and insulate at-risk areas. This service typically costs $150–$300 and can prevent thousands in emergency repairs.

Emergency Pipe Thawing (no burst) — $150–$400 depending on the location and accessibility of the frozen section. Multiple freeze points increase the cost.

Single Burst Pipe Repair (accessible location) — $200–$600 for cutting out the damaged section and splicing in new pipe.

Burst Pipe Repair (in wall or ceiling) — $400–$1,200 including opening the wall, making the repair, and basic patching. Finish drywall repair and painting are typically handled by a general contractor.

Burst Pipe Under Slab — $1,500–$4,000+ for slab penetration, repair, and patching. Rerouting the line through the wall may be more cost-effective.

Emergency Water Damage Mitigation — Water extraction, drying equipment, and restoration costs vary widely ($1,000–$10,000+) depending on the extent of flooding. This is typically covered by homeowner's insurance for sudden events.

Preventive Pipe Insulation — $150–$500 for insulating vulnerable exposed pipes. Heat tape installation adds $200–$600 depending on the length of pipe protected.

All estimates are provided before work begins. Emergency shutoff and containment are performed immediately regardless of estimate approval.