Hear From Our Customers
You turn the faucet and nothing happens. In Lyons winter, that usually means frozen pipes. But here’s what most people don’t realize – you’ve got maybe hours before those pipes burst and dump hundreds of gallons into your home.
We thaw frozen pipes fast using professional equipment that works safely. No risky DIY methods that could make things worse. Within hours, your water pressure is back to normal and your pipes are protected from bursting.
The difference between calling us now versus waiting? Waiting turns a few hundred dollar thawing job into thousands in water damage repairs. We’ve seen burst pipes flood entire basements in Lyons homes. That’s why we respond within two hours, even on the coldest days.
Go-Rooter has been handling Chicago area frozen pipe emergencies since we started. We understand how Lyons’ older homes and harsh Cook County winters create the perfect storm for frozen pipes.
Most Lyons homes were built when insulation standards were different. Add in those basement pipes that run along exterior walls, and you’ve got pipes that freeze fast when temperatures drop. We’ve thawed pipes in every type of Lyons home – from the historic houses near the Chicago Portage to the newer developments.
Our trucks carry professional thawing equipment designed for Chicago winters. We don’t use heat lamps or hair dryers like some companies. We use controlled electrical current that thaws pipes safely without causing the pressure spikes that lead to bursts.
First, we locate exactly where your pipes are frozen. Sometimes it’s obvious – no water anywhere. Other times it’s partial, where you get a trickle but not full pressure. We use temperature readings and pressure tests to pinpoint the frozen sections.
Next comes the thawing. We connect specialized electrical cables to both ends of the frozen pipe section. Then we send controlled electrical currents through the pipe in short bursts – about 10 seconds each. This heats the pipe walls gradually, melting the ice from the inside out without creating dangerous pressure spikes.
The whole process typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how much pipe is frozen and how thick the ice is. You’ll see your water pressure return gradually as the ice melts. We monitor pressure throughout to ensure no damage occurs. Once complete, we test all fixtures to confirm full water flow is restored.
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Our frozen pipe service includes the emergency thawing, but we don’t stop there. We inspect your entire plumbing system to identify other pipes at risk of freezing. Many Lyons homes have multiple vulnerable spots that most homeowners don’t know about.
We’ll show you exactly which pipes need insulation before next winter. Basement pipes along exterior walls are usually the first to freeze. Pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces and garages are next. We identify these problem areas so you can prevent future freezing.
In Lyons specifically, we see patterns based on how homes were built. The older homes near Harlem Avenue often have pipes that run through exterior wall cavities. Homes built in the 1960s and 70s frequently have basement pipes with minimal insulation. We know these local building patterns and check the right spots first.
We typically arrive within 1-2 hours for frozen pipe emergencies in Lyons. Our trucks are equipped and ready to respond 24/7, even during the worst winter weather.
Time matters with frozen pipes because the longer they stay frozen, the higher the pressure builds. That pressure eventually causes pipes to burst, turning a thawing job into a major water damage situation. We keep emergency crews on standby during cold snaps specifically for this reason.
During extreme cold periods when multiple calls come in, we prioritize based on risk level. If you’re getting no water at all, that’s highest priority. If you’re getting reduced pressure, we’ll guide you through steps to prevent bursting while we’re en route.
Frozen pipes still have their structure intact – the ice is just blocking water flow. Burst pipes have actually cracked or split open, causing active leaks. The key is catching pipes while they’re just frozen, before they burst.
When water freezes inside pipes, it expands about 9%. That expansion creates enormous pressure – enough to crack even thick copper or steel pipes. Once a pipe bursts, you’re dealing with active flooding, not just lack of water pressure.
Signs your pipes are frozen but not burst include: no water from faucets, reduced water pressure, or strange sounds when you turn on taps. Signs of burst pipes include: water stains on walls or ceilings, sounds of running water when nothing’s on, or actual water pooling somewhere it shouldn’t be.
We strongly advise against DIY pipe thawing. Most methods homeowners try either don’t work or make the situation worse. Heat guns, blowtorches, and space heaters create uneven heating that often causes pipes to burst from thermal shock.
The safest DIY approach is opening faucets to relieve pressure and applying gentle heat with a hair dryer, but this only works on exposed pipes with minor freezing. Most frozen pipes in Lyons homes are inside walls or under slabs where you can’t reach them safely.
Professional thawing equipment uses controlled electrical current that heats pipes evenly from the inside. This prevents the pressure spikes and thermal shock that cause bursts. We’ve seen too many DIY attempts turn into major flooding situations. The cost difference between professional thawing and water damage repairs is enormous.
Professional pipe thawing typically costs a few hundred dollars, depending on how many pipes are frozen and how long the job takes. Emergency service during nights, weekends, or holidays doesn’t cost extra with our company.
Compare that to burst pipe repairs, which often run into thousands once you factor in water damage, drywall replacement, flooring repairs, and potential mold remediation. We’ve seen burst pipes cause $10,000+ in damage to Lyons homes.
We provide upfront pricing before starting work, so you know exactly what you’re paying. No hidden fees or surprise charges. Most frozen pipe jobs take 1-3 hours to complete, and we’ll give you an accurate time estimate once we assess your situation.
Lyons homes face several freezing risks due to local climate and construction patterns. Temperatures below 20°F for extended periods will freeze unprotected pipes, and Lyons regularly sees temperatures well below that during winter.
Many Lyons homes were built before modern insulation standards. Pipes running through exterior wall cavities, unheated basements, or crawl spaces are most vulnerable. We also see problems when heating systems fail during cold snaps, leaving entire homes without adequate warmth.
Power outages during winter storms create additional risk. Even well-insulated pipes can freeze if there’s no heat for several hours during extreme cold. That’s why we recommend keeping faucets dripping during severe cold – moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water.
The most effective prevention is proper insulation around vulnerable pipes. In Lyons homes, focus on basement pipes along exterior walls, pipes in unheated areas, and any plumbing in crawl spaces or garages.
Keep your thermostat at 55°F minimum when you’re away during winter. Many frozen pipe calls we get are from homes where people lowered the heat too much while traveling. The energy savings aren’t worth the risk of thousands in water damage.
During extreme cold warnings, let faucets drip slightly overnight. The movement prevents freezing, and the small amount of extra water usage is insignificant compared to burst pipe repair costs. We also recommend knowing where your main water shutoff is located, so you can stop flooding quickly if pipes do burst.
