Freezing Pipes and Winterization

When the colder months come and the winter takes hold there is a real risk of pipe fissure or worse.  This is especially an issue when the temperature falls under 32 degrees, something guaranteed to happen a few times throughout a Canadian winter.  Pipes don’t burst at the point of a freeze, but somewhere between the freeze and a closed faucet due to a build in pressure.  Take precautions and be prepared with these tips.

Inside

Ensure that pipes are well insulated with polyethylene or fiberglass to keep the pipes cozy and prevent them from freezing.  A hole or a rip in the insulation can let cold air blow in and freeze the pipes.  You can also use heat tape which is wrapped around the pipe and has a built in thermostat which will ensure that the pipes are kept at the correct temperature.  We recommend you have heat tape installed by a professional.

Any room located next to a garage is vulnerable so ensure you keep the garage door closed as much as possible.  If any room in the house does not get heat, consider placing a space heater there, especially bathrooms on the exterior wall.

Open all sink based cabinet doors along the exterior wall to allow the heat to reach pipes.

You might want to fix any holes or cracks in your exterior wall using caulking or spray foam insulation to prevent freezing air from coming in contact with the pipes.

Outside

Disconnect your garden hoses and shut off any external faucets.  Ensure all the water is drained from the faucets.  Turn off and drain your sprinkler systems.  We recommend you call a professional company to blow out any leftover water in the underground lines.  A broken sprinkler pipe can damage the entire system and increase the cost of repair.

Find your main waterline shut-off before any problems arise.  Depending on the age of your house it may be inside your garage, basement or laundry room.  Be aware that it may also be underground in your yard.  After turning off the water, turn on the faucets to allow the water to drain and release any pressure held in your pipes.

How to know if you have frozen pipes:

1. You turn on the faucets and nothing comes out.
2. The water is turned off yet you hear it running anyway.  This could be a sign that your pipe burst and might have a leak somewhere.  Turn off the water line immediately and investigate.

Contact us if you have any other questions. 1-866-701-8484