With the deep freeze just around the corner, experts are reminding you that a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your home
Frozen and burst pipes are among the most common - and expensive - emergencies during Canadian winters, but they're also among the most preventable.
As winter temperatures plunge across the north, many homeowners are faced with the risk of frozen water pipes. When water freezes, it expands, leading to bursts that can cause significant damage and costly repairs. Experts urge homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their plumbing systems as cold weather sets in.
Plumbing professionals recommend several strategies to prevent water pipes from freezing. One small crack can leak hundreds of litres of water in a single day, causing thousands of dollars in damage to walls, floors, and furniture.
First, you should ensure that pipes are well insulated, especially those located in unheated areas such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation can be achieved by wrapping pipes with foam sleeves or using insulating tape, which is readily available at most hardware stores.
Another critical step is to keep the home warm, especially during extreme cold snaps. Homeowners are advised to maintain a steady temperature, ideally above 13°, even when they are not at home. It is also essential to open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes.
Water flow can also help in preventing freezing. Homeowners should consider letting faucets drip slightly during extremely cold weather. This small flow of water can relieve pressure in the system and reduce the chance of freezing.
Disconnect and drain outdoor water lines and remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets, shut off the interior valve supplying the line, and drain any remaining water. Leaving hoses connected allows water to back up into pipes and freeze, which can lead to cracks and burst fittings inside your home.
Know where your main shut-off valve is located - In the event of a burst pipe, shutting off the water immediately can prevent extensive flooding and property damage. Make sure all household members know how to locate and operate the main shut-off valve before an emergency occurs.
Moreover, sealing gaps and cracks in the home's foundation and around windows and doors can prevent cold air from entering living spaces, further protecting plumbing. Homeowners should look for noticeable drafts and use caulking or expandable foam to fill these openings, especially along exterior walls and foundations.
In cases where temperatures drop significantly, some experts suggest allowing heat from a space heater to warm areas where pipes are particularly vulnerable. However, safety should be a priority; portable heaters should never be left unattended and should be placed away from flammable materials.
In addition to these preventative measures, homeowners should educate themselves on the signs of potential pipe freezes. A faucet that produces little or no water is a classic indicator of a frozen pipe. If a pipe is suspected to be frozen, homeowners should act quickly to thaw it by applying gentle heat with a hairdryer or heating pad, avoiding open flames, which can lead to further damage.
Don't forget outdoor drains and sump pumps - Clear debris from gutters, downspouts, and sump pump discharge lines so melting snow and ice can drain properly. Clogged drains can lead to backups and basement flooding once the thaw begins.
As winter progresses, taking these preventive measures can save homeowners from the headache of dealing with water damage and costly repairs.