When winter rolls in your pipes go to battle with the cold – and without the right prep, they rarely win

By Gazette Staff

November 5th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Have you noticed the chill that is sometimes in the morning weather?

When winter rolls in your pipes go to battle with the cold – and without the right prep, they rarely win.

Frozen and burst pipes are among the most common – and expensive – cold-weather emergencies. One small crack can leak hundreds of litres of water in a single day, causing thousands of dollars in damage to walls, floors and furniture.

During the winter many homeowners deal with preventable damage from frozen or burst pipes. Taking simple steps during the fall months can save homeowners from a worst-case scenario.

Prevention now can mean the difference between a cozy winter and a costly flood. Here are a few tips to get your plumbing winter-ready:

Insulate exposed pipes – Pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages are most vulnerable to freezing. Wrapping them in foam insultation or applying electric heating tape can prevent ice from forming inside.

Disconnect and drain outdoor water lines – Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets, shut off the interior valve supplying the line and drain any remaining water. Leaving hoses connected allows water to back up into pipes and freeze, which can lead to cracks and burst fittings inside your home.Seal up cold drafts – Cold air entering through cracks, vents or gaps near plumbing can quickly lower pipe temperatures. Use caulking or insulation to seal openings around your pipes where they enter walls or floors – especially along exterior walls and foundations.

Know where your main shut-off valve is located – In the event of a burst pipe, shutting off the water immediately can prevent extensive flooding and property damage. Make sure all household members know how to locate and operate the main shut-off valve before an emergency occurs.

Don’t forget outdoor drains and sump pumps – Clear debris from gutters, downspouts and sump pump discharge lines so melting snow and ice can drain properly. Clogged drains can lead to backups and basement flooding once the thaw begins.

It only takes one night of extreme cold for an unprepared home to be impacted.  A bit of prevention goes a long way toward keeping your winter stress-free.