Locations across Canada
January is prime time for frozen pipes—one of the most common and expensive winter problems homeowners face. The good news? With a few proactive steps, frozen pipes are largely preventable. And if freezing does occur, knowing what to do can limit damage.
Keep your home warm: Set your thermostat no lower than 55°F (13°C) during cold weather, even if you’re away. Cold indoor temperatures are one of the biggest contributors to frozen interior plumbing.
Insulate vulnerable pipes: Pipes should ideally run only through heated areas, but many homes have plumbing in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or along exterior walls. Any pipe in an unheated or poorly insulated area should be wrapped with heated pipe wrap—an inexpensive solution available at most hardware stores.
Open cabinets and vanities: Pipes located inside kitchen or bathroom cabinets—especially those on exterior walls—benefit from warm air circulation. Leaving cabinet doors open during extreme cold helps prevent freezing.
Let faucets drip: When temperatures drop well below freezing, allow a slow drip of cold water from the faucet farthest from your main shut-off valve. Moving water relieves pressure caused by ice buildup and significantly reduces the risk of a burst pipe.
Know your shut-off valves: Every homeowner should know where the main water shut-off valve is located. In an emergency, turning off the water quickly can make the difference between minor damage and a major flood.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out:
Act quickly but safely:
If you notice leaking, pooling water, or cannot locate or safely access the frozen section, call a licensed plumber right away. Also check other pipes in the home, particularly those near exterior walls or where plumbing enters the foundation.
Final Thought
Frozen pipes are a winter risk—but not an unavoidable one. A bit of insulation, airflow, and preparation in January can save homeowners from costly repairs and water damage later.
If you’re unsure where your home’s vulnerable plumbing is located, a professional home inspection can help identify risk areas before winter problems strike.
