How do I keep my pipes from freezing in an Ottawa winter?

A frozen pipe can split and flood a home when it thaws. A few steps in the fall prevent most of it.

Before winter

• Outdoor taps. Close the indoor shut-off valve for each outdoor tap, then open the outside tap to drain it. Disconnect garden hoses.
• Pipes in cold spaces. Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, garages, unheated rooms and along outside walls.
• Air leaks. Seal gaps where cold air reaches pipes, such as around rim joists and where pipes pass through walls.

During cold snaps

• Keep the heat on, even when you are away. Don't set the thermostat too low.
• Open the cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls so warm air reaches the pipes.
• On the coldest nights, a slow drip from a tap on an outside wall can help.

If a pipe freezes

• Know where your main water shut-off is before you need it, usually where the water line enters the basement.
• If a tap gives little or no water in very cold weather, a pipe may be frozen. Shut off the main valve before it thaws, in case the pipe has split.
• Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or warm towels. Never use an open flame.
• If you find a leak or a split pipe, keep the water off and call a plumber.

Want pipes moved or insulated? See our plumbing page, or call 613-413-9839.