What to Do When a Pipe Bursts in Winter

Ontario winters bring freezing temperatures that can wreak havoc on your plumbing. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and creates enormous pressure that can cause pipes to crack or burst. A burst pipe can release hundreds of litres of water into your home in a short time, causing devastating damage to floors, walls, ceilings, and personal belongings.

Knowing exactly what to do when a pipe bursts can minimize damage and save you thousands in repairs. Here's your step-by-step emergency guide from Golding Plumbing.

Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply

The very first thing you should do is locate and turn off your main water shutoff valve. In most Pickering and Durham Region homes, this valve is located in the basement near the front of the house, or where the water line enters the building. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water.

If you don't know where your shutoff valve is, find it now before an emergency happens. Every household member should know its location.

Step 2: Call an Emergency Plumber

Once the water is shut off, call Golding Plumbing at (416) 669-8327 for emergency pipe repair. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing service throughout Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and all of Durham Region. Our emergency plumbers carry the tools and materials needed to make permanent repairs.

While waiting for the plumber, we can provide guidance over the phone to help minimize damage.

Step 3: Open Faucets to Drain Remaining Water

After shutting off the main valve, open all faucets to drain any remaining water from the pipes. This reduces pressure and minimizes additional water damage. Start with cold water faucets, then open hot water faucets. Flush all toilets to empty the tanks.

This step also helps any remaining frozen water to melt and drain rather than expanding further and causing additional pipe damage.

Step 4: Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of all water damage for your insurance claim. Document the burst pipe location, water levels, and all affected areas and belongings. Most homeowner insurance policies cover sudden pipe bursts, but thorough documentation is essential for a successful claim.

Golding Plumbing can provide repair documentation and receipts to support your insurance claim.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Prevention is always better than dealing with a burst pipe. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. During extreme cold snaps, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach pipes.

If you're leaving your home during winter, never set your thermostat below 12°C. Consider having a plumber install heat trace cables on vulnerable pipes. Call Golding Plumbing at (416) 669-8327 for frozen pipe prevention solutions.