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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter
Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes in winter can help protect your home from plumbing leaks, burst pipes and costly water damage. During very cold weather, water inside exposed plumbing can freeze. As ice forms, pressure can build inside the pipe and its fittings. Eventually, a weak section may crack or burst.
Toronto homes can have plumbing in basements, garages, exterior walls, crawl spaces and other cold areas. Therefore, winter pipe protection should start before temperatures fall sharply. A few simple steps can lower the chance of a frozen pipe emergency.
Insulate Pipes in Cold Areas
First, check pipes near exterior walls, garages, crawl spaces, attics and other areas that receive less heat. Foam pipe insulation can help protect plumbing from cold air.
Pay close attention to sections of pipe near openings, foundation walls and places where outside air can enter. Even a short exposed section may become a weak point during extreme cold.
Seal Cold Air Leaks
Cold drafts can quickly lower the temperature around plumbing. Therefore, check around windows, doors, dryer vents, electrical openings and areas where pipes pass through walls.
Seal unwanted air gaps where appropriate. This step can also help the surrounding area hold more heat during cold weather.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor faucets are especially exposed to freezing temperatures. Before winter, disconnect garden hoses, close the outdoor water supply when your plumbing system allows it and drain the exterior faucet.
Leaving a hose connected can trap water near the faucet and increase the chance of freezing.
Keep Garage Doors Closed
If water pipes run through your garage, keep the garage door closed as much as possible during cold weather. This simple step helps limit the amount of freezing outdoor air reaching the plumbing.
Frozen Pipe Prevention During Extreme Cold
Keep Warm Air Moving Around Plumbing
During very cold weather, keep heated areas of the home warm. In addition, open kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinet doors when pipes run inside those cabinets. This allows warmer room air to reach the plumbing.
The City of Toronto frozen pipe guide also recommends insulating vulnerable pipes, sealing air leaks, disconnecting outdoor hoses and knowing where the main water shutoff valve is located.
Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
Find the main water shutoff before an emergency happens. In many Toronto homes, the valve is near the foundation wall where the water service enters the building.
If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water quickly can reduce how much water enters walls, floors and nearby rooms. The City also advises homeowners to know how the main shutoff works before a pipe emergency occurs.
Consider a Small Water Flow for Vulnerable Pipes
During extreme cold, the City of Toronto says homeowners may choose to run a pencil-thin stream of cold water through plumbing that often freezes. Water movement can help reduce freezing risk. However, this uses metered water, so it should not replace proper insulation or repairs to problem areas.
Most importantly, keep the drain clear so running water cannot overflow and cause a different type of flood.
Prepare the Home Before Travelling
If you plan to leave home for an extended period during winter, take extra care with the plumbing. Keep the property heated and consider having someone check the home.
The City also advises that homeowners leaving for an extended period may close the main water valve and open a basement cold-water tap to drain water from the plumbing. Make sure this approach is suitable for your home’s plumbing and heating systems before doing so.
What to Do if a Pipe Freezes or Bursts
Signs That a Pipe May Be Frozen
A frozen pipe does not always burst right away. Warning signs can include little or no water from a faucet, unusually low water pressure or a problem that appears during very cold weather.
Pipes along exterior walls and near the point where the water service enters the home are common areas to check.
How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Pipe
If you can safely locate the frozen section, open a faucet and gently warm the area. The City lists options such as a hair dryer, electric heating pad, warm towel or warm air around the pipe.
Never use a torch, open flame, charcoal stove or similar heat source. Open flames can create a serious fire risk. Also, do not leave electrical heating equipment unattended.
If you cannot find or safely thaw the pipe, contact a licensed plumber. GTA Restoration also provides emergency plumbing in Toronto for frozen, leaking and burst pipes.
What to Do When a Frozen Pipe Bursts
If the pipe cracks or bursts, turn off the main water supply when you can reach it safely. Next, arrange the plumbing repair. Then check floors, walls, ceilings, insulation and nearby rooms for water damage.
Repairing the pipe stops the source, but it does not remove water that has already entered the building. Our water damage restoration service can help with extraction, moisture checks and drying when a burst pipe causes flooding.
Check for Hidden Water After a Burst Pipe
Water can move behind drywall, below flooring and through ceilings before the full damage becomes visible. Therefore, a dry surface does not always mean the structure is dry.
If you are unsure how far the water travelled, water leak detection and moisture readings can help identify wet areas.
Document the Damage for Insurance
When it is safe, take photos and videos before major cleanup or repairs begin. Also, save plumbing invoices, restoration records and repair estimates.
Coverage for frozen or burst pipe damage depends on the policy and circumstances. Therefore, contact your insurer or broker for coverage decisions. You can also review our insurance claims support information.
Ultimately, the best way to prevent frozen pipes in winter is to prepare before extreme cold arrives. Insulate exposed plumbing, stop cold drafts, disconnect outdoor hoses, keep cold areas warm and know how to shut off your water. These simple steps can greatly improve your winter readiness.
Frozen or Burst Pipe Emergency?
GTA Restoration provides emergency plumbing, water extraction, moisture detection and water damage restoration throughout Toronto and the GTA.
Pipe leaking or already burst? Shut off the water when safe and get help before damage spreads farther.
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