How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During an Edmonton Winter

A frozen pipe can split, and a split pipe can flood a basement in minutes. The good news is that most freezes are preventable with a few steps before and during the cold months.

How do I stop my pipes from freezing before winter?

Disconnect garden hoses. A hose left attached can trap water in the outdoor tap and freeze back into the pipe inside your wall.

Shut off and drain outdoor taps. If your outdoor taps have a separate shut-off valve inside the house, close it, then open the outside tap to let the line drain. Many newer homes have frost-free taps, but the hose still needs to come off.

Insulate exposed pipes. Foam pipe insulation from any hardware store is inexpensive and easy to fit on pipes in unheated spaces like crawlspaces, garages and along exterior walls.

Seal drafts. Cold air coming in near pipes is a common cause of freezing. Look for gaps where pipes and wires pass through exterior walls or rim joists.

Know where your main water shut-off is. If a pipe bursts, turning off the water quickly is what limits the damage. Find the valve now, usually where the water line enters the basement, and make sure it turns.

How do I protect my pipes during a cold snap?

• Keep your home heated, including when you’re away. Don’t let it drop low to save on heating
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air can reach the pipes
• If a pipe has frozen before, let the tap on that line run at a slow drip on the coldest nights

What should I do if a pipe freezes?

You’ll usually notice a tap with little or no water coming out.

1. Turn off the main water supply if you see any sign of a leak or a split
2. Open the tap on the frozen line so water can flow once it thaws
3. Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or warm towels, starting nearest the tap

Never use an open flame, a torch or a propane heater to thaw a pipe. It’s a fire risk and can damage the pipe.

If you can’t find the frozen section, can’t reach it, or the pipe has split, call a plumber.

A house cold enough to freeze pipes often has a heating problem too. Our pre-winter furnace checklist covers what to check, and you can compare furnace and heating companies on our directory.

Where can I find an emergency plumber in Edmonton?

Browse Edmonton plumbers on our directory. Several offer emergency service, so it’s worth saving a number before you need one.