Hear From Our Customers
You turn the faucet and nothing happens. Or worse, you hear that telltale dripping that means a pipe has already burst. Either way, you’re looking at potential water damage, sky-high repair bills, and the headache of dealing with insurance claims.
Our frozen pipe repair gets your water flowing again fast. We thaw pipes safely, fix any damage, and prevent the kind of flooding that can cost thousands in repairs. Most jobs are completed the same day, so you’re not left without water while winter rages on.
When pipes freeze in Oak Forest’s brutal winters, every hour counts. The longer frozen water sits in your pipes, the higher the chance of a burst that floods your basement, damages your floors, and creates the perfect conditions for mold growth.
We’ve been Oak Forest’s trusted emergency plumber since 2001. We’re not some fly-by-night operation that disappears when the real work begins. We’re your neighbors, licensed and insured, with over two decades of experience handling everything from minor pipe thaws to major burst pipe disasters.
Oak Forest winters are no joke. We’ve seen temperatures drop to single digits, and we know exactly which homes are most vulnerable to frozen pipes. The older homes near the Metra station, the ranch houses with crawl spaces, the split-levels where pipes run through exterior walls – we’ve worked on them all.
Our family-owned business built its reputation on showing up when others won’t and fixing problems that other plumbers walk away from. When your pipes freeze at 2 AM on a Sunday, we answer the phone.
First, we locate exactly where your pipes are frozen. This isn’t guesswork – we use professional equipment to pinpoint the problem area without tearing apart your walls. Most frozen pipes happen in predictable spots: exterior walls, unheated basements, and crawl spaces.
Next, we safely thaw the frozen section using controlled heat methods. No blowtorches, no risky DIY tricks that can cause fires or burst your pipes. We gradually restore water flow while monitoring for any signs of damage or weakness in the pipe.
Finally, we test your entire system to make sure everything’s working properly. We check water pressure, look for leaks, and inspect vulnerable areas that might freeze again. If we find any damage, we fix it on the spot with quality materials that last.
The whole process typically takes 1-3 hours depending on the location and severity of the freeze. You’ll have hot and cold water flowing normally before we leave.
Ready to get started?
Our frozen pipe repair service includes more than just thawing. We identify why your pipes froze in the first place and fix those underlying problems so it doesn’t happen again next week.
Oak Forest homes built before 1980 are especially vulnerable because of how they’re constructed. Many have pipes running through exterior walls with minimal insulation, or crawl spaces that aren’t properly sealed against cold air. We insulate exposed pipes, seal air leaks, and install heat tape where needed.
We also show you the simple prevention steps that actually work. Things like letting faucets drip during extreme cold, opening cabinet doors to let warm air circulate, and keeping your thermostat consistent instead of dropping it at night. These aren’t just generic tips – they’re specific to Oak Forest’s climate and the types of homes we see here.
For homes with recurring freeze problems, we can relocate vulnerable pipes to warmer areas or install freeze alarms that alert you before pipes actually freeze. The goal is making sure this emergency doesn’t become an annual tradition.
Most frozen pipe thawing takes 1-3 hours depending on where the freeze occurred and how extensive it is. Pipes frozen in accessible areas like basements or crawl spaces thaw faster than those inside walls.
We don’t rush the process because rapid temperature changes can actually cause pipes to burst. Gradual, controlled thawing is safer and more effective. If your pipes are already damaged, repair work can add another 1-2 hours to the job.
For emergency situations where pipes have already burst, we focus first on stopping the water flow and preventing further damage, then address the thawing and repair work.
Oak Forest pipes typically freeze when outdoor temperatures drop below 20°F for several hours, especially when combined with wind. The most vulnerable spots are pipes in exterior walls, unheated crawl spaces, and areas where cold air leaks into your home.
Many Oak Forest homes were built in the 1960s and 70s when insulation standards were different. These homes often have pipes running through exterior walls with minimal protection from cold air. Newer homes can still have problems if pipes are located in garages, unheated basements, or areas where insulation has settled or been damaged.
Power outages during winter storms create additional risk because your heating system can’t maintain warm temperatures around vulnerable pipes. Even a few hours without heat can cause freezing when temperatures are extremely low.
You can try gentle heat methods like hair dryers or space heaters, but there are significant risks. Many DIY thawing attempts result in burst pipes because people use too much heat too quickly, or they can’t access the actual frozen section.
Never use open flames, propane torches, or other high-heat sources. These create serious fire hazards and can cause pipes to burst from thermal shock. Also avoid electrical appliances near standing water – this creates electrocution risks.
If you can’t get water flowing within 30 minutes of gentle heating, or if you hear any unusual sounds from your pipes, call a professional. The cost of emergency service is much less than dealing with burst pipes and water damage.
Simple pipe thawing typically costs $150-400 depending on the location and accessibility of the frozen pipes. If pipes have already burst, repair costs range from $400-2,000 depending on the extent of damage and where the break occurred.
Emergency service calls during nights, weekends, or holidays may include additional fees, but we provide upfront pricing before starting any work. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden pipe bursts, but not damage from lack of maintenance or prevention.
The real cost comes from water damage if pipes burst before you address the problem. Flooded basements, damaged floors, and mold remediation can easily cost $5,000-15,000. That’s why fast professional service actually saves money in the long run.
Immediately shut off your main water supply – usually located near your water meter or where the main line enters your home. This stops additional water from flooding your property while you wait for emergency service.
Turn off electricity to any areas with standing water to prevent electrocution hazards. Move valuable items away from the flooded area if it’s safe to do so. Don’t try to fix burst pipes yourself – this is a job for professionals with proper equipment.
Call us immediately for emergency burst pipe repair. We typically respond within 1-2 hours and can stop the flooding, repair the damage, and get your water service restored the same day. Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes, but don’t delay calling for help.
The most effective prevention combines proper insulation with smart winter habits. We can insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls, and install heat tape in problem areas that freeze repeatedly.
During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes. Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night instead of lowering it when you sleep.
Seal air leaks around pipes where they enter your home, especially in basements and crawl spaces. Even small gaps can let in enough cold air to freeze nearby pipes. For homes with recurring problems, we can relocate vulnerable pipes or install freeze alarms that warn you before actual freezing occurs.
