How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Ontario

Frozen pipes are a serious and common problem for Ontario homeowners during the winter months. When temperatures drop below -7°C, unprotected water pipes can freeze, expand, and burst—causing thousands of dollars in water damage. The good news is that frozen pipe damage is almost entirely preventable with proper preparation.

Golding Plumbing has been helping Pickering and Durham Region homeowners protect their plumbing from winter damage for over 30 years. Here are our expert tips for preventing frozen pipes.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

The most effective prevention method is insulating any pipes that run through unheated spaces. This includes pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and along exterior walls. Pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install.

Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls and in corners where cold air can penetrate. Even a small gap in insulation can allow enough cold to freeze a pipe.

Seal Air Leaks Around Pipes

Cold air drafts around pipes where they enter or exit your home can cause freezing even in otherwise warm areas. Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps around pipes where they penetrate walls, floors, and foundations.

Check around dryer vents, electrical wiring holes, and any other openings that could allow cold air to reach your pipes.

Keep Your Home Warm

Maintain a consistent temperature in your home during cold weather. Never set your thermostat below 12°C, even when you're away. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks, especially on exterior walls.

If you're going on vacation during winter, consider having a trusted neighbor check your home regularly, or install a smart thermostat with temperature alerts.

Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

During severe cold snaps, let faucets served by exposed pipes drip slightly. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Even a slight trickle can prevent pipe freezing.

Focus on faucets on exterior walls or in unheated areas. The small increase in your water bill is insignificant compared to the cost of burst pipe repairs.

Professional Winterization

For comprehensive protection, have a licensed plumber winterize your home's plumbing. This includes insulating vulnerable pipes, installing heat trace cables where needed, disconnecting outdoor hoses, and shutting off outdoor water supply lines.

Golding Plumbing offers professional winterization services throughout Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Durham Region. Call (416) 669-8327 to schedule your home's winter plumbing preparation.