Cold Snap Coming? 5 Plumbing Problems to Fix Before Winter Hits Champaign
As any seasoned homeowner in Champaign or Urbana knows, Illinois winters can go from chilly to brutal overnight. When temps dip below freezing, your home’s plumbing takes a hit—unless you’ve prepped in advance.
At Quality Plumbing, we help homeowners avoid costly repairs by catching cold-weather problems early. Whether you’re in Champaign, Urbana, or one of the nearby towns, these are the top five plumbing issues to tackle before winter settles in.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes Before They Freeze
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing issues, and also one of the easiest to prevent.
How to prep:
- Wrap pipes in unheated areas (basements, crawlspaces, garages) with pipe insulation
- Use heat tape for extra protection on exterior walls
- Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to let warm air circulate
Pro Tip: If your pipes have frozen before, they’ll freeze again. Get ahead of it now with affordable plumbing services from a licensed plumber near you.
2. Test Your Sump Pump—Before Snow Turns to Slush
Melted snow can cause major basement flooding if your sump pump isn’t working properly. Don’t wait until the spring thaw to find out.
Signs your sump pump needs attention:
- It runs constantly or not at all
- Strange noises during operation
- You haven’t tested it in 6+ months
If you’re in Champaign or Urbana, we offer quick sump pump installation and maintenance. Better safe than soggy.
3. Fix Leaky Faucets That Could Freeze Overnight
Even a slow drip can lead to frozen pipes if left unchecked in cold weather.
Why this matters:
- Dripping water can freeze in the spout and back up into your supply line
- A minor leak can crack a pipe when temperatures plunge
We recommend scheduling a leaky faucet repair as part of your winter readiness checklist. It’s a small fix that can prevent major damage.
4. Schedule a Water Heater Check-Up
Your water heater works harder in winter. Colder incoming water and increased usage (thanks, holiday guests!) can lead to breakdowns.
Winter water heater prep:
- Flush the tank to remove sediment
- Test the pressure relief valve
- Check the thermostat (aim for 120°F)
If your showers are suddenly lukewarm, don’t wait. Call for water heater repair in Champaign before your next freeze-out.
5. Seal Up Outdoor Hose Bibs and Shut-Off Valves
Leaving hoses connected is a fast-track to frozen pipe bursts. Even with the faucet off, water trapped in the pipe can freeze and expand.
What to do:
- Disconnect all hoses and drain them
- Shut off the outdoor faucet from the interior valve
- Install a foam cover for added protection
These small steps can save thousands in winter water damage repairs.
Book Your Cold-Weather Plumbing Check Today
At Quality Plumbing, we treat your home like our own—no upcharges, no gimmicks, just good work from your friendly neighborhood plumbers.
✔ Licensed, local pros
✔ Affordable plumbing services in Champaign and Urbana
✔ Honest advice without the upsell