How to Keep Your Drains Up and Running During

How to Keep Your Drains Up and Running During the Cold Winter Season

Winter in Illinois and North Shore and Northwest suburbs of Chicago, brings picturesque snowfalls—and a host of plumbing challenges. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system, leading to issues like frozen pipes, burst pipes, and water not draining. At Doctor Drain, we’re here to help you keep your drains and plumbing up and running all season long.

Winter Plumbing Risks

What to Watch For


The cold weather brings unique plumbing challenges. Here are some common issues homeowners face during winter:

- Frozen Pipes: When temperatures drop below freezing, water in your pipes can solidify, blocking water flow. This can lead to no water in the house and even burst pipes.

- Sink Backed Up: Grease and food scraps harden faster in cold weather, increasing the chances of blockages in your kitchen sink.

- Water Not Draining: Sluggish drains can freeze in extreme cold, exacerbating existing clogs.

- Leak from the Ceiling: Melting ice and snow can lead to leaks from damaged pipes, which often go unnoticed until significant water damage occurs.

How to Keep Your Plumbing System Running in Winter

Here are practical tips to protect your plumbing system during the cold season:

1. Insulate Pipes Exposed pipes, especially in basements, garages, and attics, are at risk of freezing. Insulate them with foam pipe sleeves to keep them warm and reduce the likelihood of freezing.

2. Keep Water Moving Letting a small trickle of water run through your faucets can prevent freezing. Moving water is less likely to solidify in cold temperatures.

3. Watch What Goes Down the Drain Winter is not the time to test your garbage disposal. Avoid pouring grease, fats, and oils down your drains, as they can solidify and cause a sink backed up.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks Cold air can infiltrate your home and freeze your plumbing. Seal any gaps or cracks near pipes, especially those leading to the outdoors.

5. Schedule Professional Maintenance Preventative care is key. Regular inspections by Doctor Drain can identify and resolve small problems before they turn into major issues like water not draining or leak from the ceiling.



When Issues Arise, Doctor Drain is Here to Help

Despite your best efforts, winter plumbing emergencies can still happen. That’s why Doctor Drain is your trusted partner, providing professional licensed plumbing services to the North Shore and Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

We Proudly Serve:

- North Shore suburbs: Winnetka, Wilmette, Evanston, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and more.

- Northwest suburbs of Chicago: Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Des Plaines, and Buffalo Grove. When you search <>, our team is the first to respond for our customers, delivering prompt, professional, and reliable service.



Why Doctor Drain makes a difference ?


1. Local Drain Cleaning Services Always Answer, Always Around. We’re your local experts, available to handle any plumbing issue—from sink backed up to burst pipes—no matter the time of day.

2. Word of Mouth from Your Neighbors. Our reputation speaks for itself. Customers in the North Shore and Northwest suburbs trust us because of the glowing recommendations from friends and neighbors.

3. Great Prices, No Hidden Fees. Transparency is at the heart of our service. We offer competitive pricing with no surprises, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

4. Quality Guaranteed. Every job we do is backed by our commitment to excellence. Whether it’s a routine drain cleaning or repairing a leak from the ceiling, we ensure quality workmanship every time.

Common Winter Plumbing Services

Here’s how Doctor Drain can help with winter plumbing issues:

1. Repairing Burst Pipes.

A burst pipe can cause significant water damage. We’ll repair or replace the pipe and ensure your plumbing system is back to normal.

2. Clearing Backed-Up Drains

From kitchen sinks to bathroom drains, our local drain cleaning services tackle blockages effectively, ensuring water flows smoothly.

3. Fixing Leaks

Whether it’s a leak from the ceiling or under your sink, we locate and repair the source, preventing further damage to your home.

4. Comprehensive Inspections

Preventative care is critical in winter. Our licensed plumbers inspect your system to identify vulnerabilities and recommend solutions before problems arise.



Winter Plumbing FAQs


Q: How can I prevent frozen pipes?

A: Insulate exposed pipes, keep cabinets under sinks open to let warm air circulate, and let faucets drip during freezing weather.



Q: What should I do if my pipes freeze?

A: Turn off the water supply to prevent pressure buildup and call Doctor Drain immediately for assistance.

Q: Why is my kitchen sink backing up more in winter?

A: Grease and food particles solidify faster in cold weather, causing clogs. Avoid putting these substances down the drain and