How do I prevent frozen pipes in Ottawa?

Frozen pipes are a serious concern in Ottawa's harsh winters, where temperatures can drop below -20°C for extended periods. Prevention is much easier and cheaper than dealing with burst pipes and potential flooding.

Insulation is your first line of defense. Focus on pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape, paying special attention to areas where pipes enter your home from outside. Even pipes in heated areas near exterior walls can freeze during extreme cold snaps that Ottawa experiences.

Keep water moving through your system during severe cold spells. Let faucets drip slightly overnight when temperatures drop below -15°C - moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, especially those on exterior walls.

Maintain consistent heating throughout your home, even when you're away. Don't drop your thermostat below 15°C, as the money saved on heating bills isn't worth the risk of thousands in water damage. For homes with basements, ensure your basement stays above freezing - many Ottawa homes have had pipes freeze in unheated basements during January and February cold snaps.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the first freeze, typically by late October in Ottawa. Shut off interior valves to outdoor spigots and drain the lines. Consider installing frost-free hose bibs if you don't already have them.

If you discover frozen pipes, shut off your main water valve immediately and call a licensed plumber. Attempting to thaw pipes yourself with torches or high heat can cause them to burst. For a free consultation on winterizing your plumbing system before Ottawa's next deep freeze, contact Ottawa Pro Plumbing.