When Ontario’s winter temperatures dip well below freezing, one of the biggest risks for homeowners is frozen or burst pipes. A single frozen pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, not to mention the inconvenience of losing access to your plumbing in the middle of winter.
At ATK Plumbing & Heating INC, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Scarborough, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and the Durham Region protect their homes against winter plumbing disasters. In this post, we’ll walk you through practical tips to prevent frozen pipes in Ontario winters and when to call a professional plumber.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Problem in Ontario
When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands. This can cause the pipe to crack or burst, leading to major leaks once the ice thaws. Common areas where frozen pipes occur include:
Exterior walls with little insulation
Basements, crawl spaces, and garages
Outdoor spigots and garden hoses
Attics or unheated utility rooms
Once a pipe bursts, you may be looking at emergency plumbing repairs, drywall replacement, and even mold remediation. Prevention is always more affordable than repair.
7 Ways to Prepare Your Pipes for Freezing Ontario Winters
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to protect pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. This is especially important in older homes across Ontario that may not have modern insulation.
2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Exterior Faucets
Drain and disconnect all outdoor hoses before the first freeze. Shut off the outdoor water supply and let faucets drip to clear out any leftover water.
3. Seal Air Leaks Around Pipes
Cold drafts can freeze pipes quickly. Seal cracks and gaps in walls or floors near plumbing with caulking or spray foam to prevent icy air from seeping in.
4. Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent
Don’t let your thermostat dip too low, even at night or while you’re away. Keeping your home at a steady 18°C (65°F) or higher helps ensure water keeps flowing.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
If you have pipes under kitchen or bathroom sinks located along exterior walls, leave the cabinet doors open during extreme cold snaps. This lets warm air circulate and prevents freezing.
6. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
A slight trickle of water can keep pipes from freezing. This small step is far cheaper than a burst pipe repair in Ontario.
7. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
A licensed plumber can check vulnerable spots, insulate exposed lines, and ensure your home’s plumbing system is ready for sub-zero Ontario temperatures. At ATK Plumbing & Heating INC, we offer winter plumbing inspections in Scarborough, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and surrounding areas.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you suspect a frozen pipe (for example, no water comes out of a faucet), act quickly:
Turn off your main water supply.
Gently warm the pipe with a hair dryer or heating pad. Never use an open flame.
Call a local plumber in Durham Region for professional thawing and repairs if needed.
Call ATK Plumbing & Heating INC for Winter Pipe Protection
Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to ruin your winter. Whether you need pipe insulation, frozen pipe repair, or a winter plumbing inspection in Ontario, our licensed and insured team is here to help.
Call ATK Plumbing & Heating INC at (416) 660-2457 for same-day service or request a free plumbing quote online. We proudly serve homeowners in Scarborough, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Clarington, Uxbridge, Port Hope, Cobourg, Scugog, Brock, Cannington, and Port Perry.