For Ottawa homeowners, having your pipes freeze can be a huge headache, and can even be disastrous.

Pipes in unheated areas of your home are especially at risk.

Frozen pipes can do more than just stop your water from working. A burst pipe can cause flooding, damage to your property, and mold growth. It can add up to a very expensive repair.

The good news? There are simple ways to prevent pipes from freezing. In this guide, our Ottawa plumbers will go over everything you need to know to prevent frozen pipes this winter.

Understanding the Risks of Frozen Pipes

When the water inside one of your pipes freezes, it expands. This expanding water increases the pressure inside the pipe, and if the pressure gets to a certain point, your pipe will burst.

The resulting water damage can ruin flooring, drywall, your basement, your foundation, and your personal belongings. Even a small crack can release hundreds of litres of water into your home in just a few hours.

Preventing frozen pipes protects your property from serious damage.

Common Causes of Pipe Freezing

There are a few reasons why your pipes could be at risk of freezing this winter.

Lack of Insulation: Pipes that run through unheated areas of your home, like your basement, a crawl space, your garage, or your attic, can be especially vulnerable.
Exposure to Drafts: Small cracks in your walls, foundations, or near pipes can expose your pipes to frigid air.
Sudden Temperature Drops: A quick drop in temperature can cause pipes to freeze, especially if your heating system doesn’t keep up.
Infrequent Use: Pipes that don’t have water running through them every day are more likely to freeze. This often happens with vacant properties and seasonal homes.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Let’s go over some proactive steps you can take to get ahead of and prevent having your pipes freeze this winter.

1. Buy Pipe Heating Cables, Electric Heating Pad or Heat Tape

One of the easiest and most effective ways to thaw frozen pipes and prevent your pipes from freezing is by using an electric water pad, pipe heating cables (UL-listed heat cables) or heat tape.

These products warm your pipes directly when they get too cold. They’re perfect for pipes that run through unheated areas in your home like crawl spaces and basements.

Note: Do not install heating tools on plastic plumbing pipes.

Make sure to:

Choose a heat cable that is rated for plumbing use.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe installation.
Plug the heat cable into a ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet (one with three prong openings) to prevent electrical hazards.

2. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water Lines Before Winter

Your outdoor water lines are the ones that are most likely to freeze. A little pre-winter preparation can fix that. Take these steps:

Disconnect and store garden hoses before winter.
Shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
Drain any remaining water from your outdoor pipes.

3. Insulate Pipes in Vulnerable Areas

Pipes in your basement, attic, and crawl spaces could use extra insulation to stay warm. Try:

Wrapping your exposed pipes in foam or fibreglass insulation.
Using spray foam insulation over the cracks and gaps in your walls.
Installing better wall and attic insulation to lower how much heat your home loses in winter.

4. Use a Smart Thermostat to Maintain Consistent Temperatures

A smart thermostat that will monitor drops in temperature and make sure your home stays warm enough during really cold snaps is a great idea.

Keep your thermostat set to at least 13°C when you’re away.
Use a smart thermostat that keeps an eye on your home’s temperature and makes automatic adjustments.
Don’t let your home’s indoor temperature drop too much overnight.

5. Keep Interior Doors Open for Better Heat Circulation

Good airflow helps move warm air through your home. Keep doors open between rooms, especially those where plumbing runs through walls, like kitchens and bathrooms.

6. Install Frost-Free Hose Bibs

Old outdoor faucets can hold water inside the pipe, which can freeze. Frost-free hose bibs prevent water from staying inside these pipes and remove the risk of freezing. If your home has older outdoor faucets, replacing them before winter is a good idea. Call a licensed plumber to get it properly installed.

7. Cover Foundation Vents and Seal Air Leaks

Cold air that comes in through foundation vents or cracks can expose your pipes to freezing temperatures. You can take care of that by:

Covering foundation vents with foam board or insulation during winter.
Sealing gaps and cracks in walls, floors, and foundations to block drafts.
Checking around windows, doors, and plumbing openings for any leaks that could let cold air in.

8. Run Ceiling Fans in Reverse (Winter Mode)

Running your ceiling fan in reverse at a low speed helps push warm air down from the ceiling. This can help keep pipes warmer, especially if your home has high ceilings.

9. Monitor and Prepare for Extreme Cold Warnings

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and if a cold snap is coming, take extra precautions (which we’ll discuss next).

Steps to Take During Severe Cold Weather

Here are some steps you can take before and during the severe cold weather that we get in Ottawa:

Keep your garage doors closed if there are water supply lines inside.
If you’re going on vacation, turn off the main water valve and open a cold tap in the basement to drain your plumbing system.
Check for frost buildup on pipes and use a hairdryer or portable space heater to thaw any frozen spots gently (but don’t use an open flame).
Open the cabinet doors under your sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes there.
Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving in your plumbing.
Turn up your indoor temperature a bit and keep the coldest parts in your home a little warmer.

The Importance of Regular Plumbing Inspections

Preventive maintenance is the best way to prevent freezing pipes in winter. Having an expert plumber that’s familiar with your Ottawa neighbourhood inspect and find vulnerable pipes will have you resting easy.

One of our licensed and friendly plumbers will:

Inspect and assess your insulation and plumbing.
Recommend preventative measures.
Protect your pipes with the best and latest technology available.

Call Plumbing Now: Protect Your Home This Winter

If you’re worried about your plumbing this winter, let us put your mind at ease.

Plumbing Now specializes in working with mature Ottawa neighbourhoods where homes are vulnerable to freezing pipes. We know exactly what to look for.

Request an online quote to have your plumbing inspected before the next deep freeze. Or call us at 613-722-8887.

We’re Ottawa’s trusted choice for premium plumbing services since 2005.

We’re also available for 24/7 emergency plumbing service. Call now!

The Ultimate Guide on How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

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