Winter Plumbing Checklist: How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing & Avoid Costly Damage

Winter in Canada can put serious stress on your home’s plumbing. A frozen pipe is more than just an inconvenience—it can be a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. When water freezes, it expands, creating a massive pressure that can split and burst a pipe, leading to potentially catastrophic flooding, costly water damage, and likely significant leak detection and repair. 

As your trusted residential plumbing experts, Sanatec is here to ensure your pipes stay safe all season long. Read on for our checklist on how to prevent pipes from freezing this winter.   

Proactive Steps to Prevent Pipes From Freezing 

These simple steps to winterize your can save you time, money, and a headache. 

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes and Water Lines

Prioritize pipes located in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces, attics, garages, and utility rooms. These are the most likely to freeze.

• Use Pipe Sleeves: Purchase inexpensive foam pipe insulation (or pipe sleeves) from any hardware store and wrap it around exposed pipes.
• Apply Heat Tape: For areas prone to deep freezes, consider installing thermostatically controlled heat tape or heat cables on the pipes.

Seal Out Cold Air 

Even a small draft can deliver freezing air directly to your plumbing.

• Caulk Cracks: Seal cracks and holes in exterior walls and foundation near where water pipes and utility lines enter your home (e.g., around dryer vents, phone, and cable lines).
• Insulate Doors and Windows: Ensure doors and windows near plumbing fixtures are properly sealed and insulated. 

Manage Outdoor Connections

Your exterior spigots and hoses are often the first things to freeze.

• Disconnect Hoses: Remove, drain, and store all garden hoses.
• Shut Off Exterior Water: Locate the shut-off valve for your exterior spigots (usually inside your home in the basement or utility room) and turn off the water supply to them. Then, open the spigot outside to drain any residual water from the line.

Circulate Warm Air Indoors

When temperatures drop drastically, your indoor air can be your best defense against freezing, especially for pipes near exterior walls.

• Open Cabinet Doors: For sinks located on exterior walls (kitchens and bathrooms), open the cabinet doors beneath the sink. This allows warmer room air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep the Heat On: Even if you plan to be away, never set your thermostat below 13°C (55°F).

Let Faucets Drip

If extreme cold is forecast, you can relieve pressure and prevent freezing by allowing a small amount of water to run.

• A Slow Trickle: Choose a faucet furthest from your main water supply and allow it to maintain a slow, steady trickle. Moving water freezes much more slowly than stagnant water, and the running water helps relieve the pressure buildup that causes pipes to burst.

If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts: Call in the Experts

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle or no water comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe.

• Locate the Freeze: If you can find the frozen section, you can attempt to thaw it by applying heat using a hair dryer or a portable space heater (kept safely away from flammable materials).
• Never Use Open Flame: Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene, or propane heater to thaw a pipe. This is an extreme fire hazard.
• Shut Off the Water: If a frozen pipe has already burst (you’ll see water spraying or rapidly leaking), immediately shut off the main water supply to your home.

The Sanatec Advantage: Leak Detection and Repair

The most dangerous part of a frozen pipe is the moment it thaws. A pipe that survives a freeze may still have microscopic stress fractures. Once the ice melts, these fractures can fail, resulting in a sudden and massive leak.

If you didn’t manage to prevent your pipes from freezing, suspect a hidden leak, or have experienced a burst, do not hesitate—call Sanatec Environmental. Our specialized residential leak detection and repair services use advanced technology to quickly locate the source of the problem, whether it’s an obvious burst or a hidden crack behind a wall. We provide reliable, fast repairs to minimize water damage, prevent mold, and restore your home’s safety and comfort.
Don’t wait for a disaster—contact Sanatec Environmental for expert plumbing assistance.