Frozen Pipe Prevention Ottawa: Winter Plumbing Protection Guide

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk

Not all pipes in your Ottawa home are equally vulnerable. Focus on these:

Highest risk: - Pipes in exterior walls (especially north-facing) - Pipes in unheated garages or crawl spaces - Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation lines - Pipes near foundation cracks or poorly insulated areas - Kitchen sink supply lines on exterior walls

Moderate risk: - Basement pipes near rim joists (where floor meets foundation) - Pipes in unfinished basement areas - Water supply entering the home from the street

Lower risk: - Interior wall pipes - Pipes in heated, insulated spaces

In many Ottawa homes built before 1990, supply lines run through exterior walls without adequate insulation. This is the #1 cause of frozen pipes we see.

Prevention: The Essentials

Before winter (October-November): - Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses - Shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs (interior shutoff valve) - Insulate exposed pipes in basement, crawl space, and garage with pipe foam ($2-5 per 6ft section) - Seal air leaks near pipes — drafts freeze pipes faster than cold alone - Know where your main water shutoff is (usually near the water meter)

During extreme cold (-20°C and below): - Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls - Let a pencil-thin stream of water trickle from the farthest faucet (costs ~$1/day in water) - Keep your thermostat at 17°C minimum, even when away - If leaving for vacation, either drain the system or have someone check daily

Permanent solutions: - Heat cable/trace on vulnerable pipes ($50-$200 installed per run) - Reroute supply lines away from exterior walls ($500-$2,000) - Add insulation to rim joist areas ($300-$800)

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out during a cold snap:

Step 1: Open the faucet — This relieves pressure and lets water flow when the ice melts

Step 2: Find the frozen section — Feel along exposed pipes for ice-cold spots. Check under sinks, in the basement near exterior walls, and near the water meter

Step 3: Apply gentle heat — Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, portable heater, or hot towels. Work from the faucet back toward the frozen area

NEVER use: - Open flame (blowtorch, propane heater) - Boiling water directly on pipes - Space heaters unattended

Step 4: Check for leaks — As the pipe thaws, watch for water leaking from cracks or split sections. If you see water spraying, shut off the main valve immediately and call a plumber

Call a plumber if: - You can't locate the frozen section - The pipe has burst - Multiple areas are frozen - The frozen pipe is behind a wall

Burst Pipe: Emergency Steps

A burst pipe can release 4-8 gallons of water per minute. Here's your immediate action plan:

• Shut off the main water valve — Every Ottawa homeowner should know where this is BEFORE an emergency. Usually near the water meter in the basement.

2. Open faucets — Drain remaining water from the system

3. Turn off electricity — If water is near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances, kill the power at the breaker

4. Start cleanup — Use towels, mops, wet-dry vacuum to remove standing water. Every minute counts for preventing mold

5. Call a plumber — We offer 24/7 emergency service for burst pipes

6. Document damage — Take photos for insurance before cleanup

7. Call your insurance — Most home insurance covers sudden burst pipes (not gradual leaks)

Average burst pipe repair cost: $500-$2,500 depending on location and extent of damage. Water damage restoration can add $2,000-$10,000+.

Ottawa-Specific Tips

City of Ottawa responsibility: The city maintains the water main to your property line. From there to your home, it's your responsibility. If your service line freezes between the street and your house, the city may help thaw it — call 311.

Freeze depth: Ottawa's frost line is approximately 1.5 metres (5 feet). Water service lines should be buried below this depth. Older installations may be shallower.

Common problem areas by home age: - Pre-1960: Galvanized or lead service lines, often with poor insulation - 1960-1990: Copper supply, but often routed through exterior walls - 1990+: PEX or copper, generally better insulated but check crawl spaces

When Ottawa issues an extreme cold warning (Environment Canada), take extra precautions. These are typically issued at -30°C or below with wind chill.