Frozen pipes, costly damage: How to stay ahead this winter
When winter settles in across Canada, freezing temperatures can create more than just frosty windows and icy driveways. One of the biggest risks homeowners face is frozen pipes. A burst pipe can flood your home, damage flooring and furniture, and leave you with expensive repairs. The good news? A few proactive steps can go a long way in preventing headaches this winter
Why frozen pipes are such a risk
When water freezes, it expands by about 9%. That expansion puts intense pressure on the pipes carrying it, whether metal or plastic. Outdoor hose bibs, sprinkler lines, and pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawlspaces, exterior walls, attics, and garages are especially vulnerable and once a pipe bursts, water damage can spread quickly.
Practical ways to prevent frozen pipes
- Seal cracks and gaps: Before temperatures dip too low, inspect windows, door frames, and openings around cable or plumbing lines. Caulking gaps keeps warm air in and cold air out.
- Insulate exposed pipes: Pipe insulation, which is available at most hardware stores, is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your home. Foam or fiberglass insulation helps keep water flowing, even when temperatures fall well below freezing.
- Turn off the water to the exterior of your home in the winter.
- Use heat solutions where needed:
- Heat tape: An electric wrap with a built-in thermostat that activates when temperatures drop near freezing. Great for mobile homes or more exposed areas where insulation alone isn’t enough.
- Spray foam: Fills wall cavities around pipes and blocks airflow and pests from entering.
- In-pipe heating elements: Heat water and sewer pipes from the inside.
- Having a smart thermostat lets you regulate your heat schedule for when you’re away or asleep, which also helps save you money. Additionally these alert you if there is a problem with your heating. Alerts and minimum allowable temperatures can be set to avoid the risk of it getting too cold.
- Traveling this winter? Leave the heat on: If you’re away, set your thermostat to at least 16 °C. It’s a simple safeguard against cold snaps while you’re gone.
- Going to be away for a while? Turn off the water to your home and drain the water lines, this will minimize the amount of damage that can occur if something does go wrong while you’re away.
- Tip: Check your main shut off valve periodically. This will ensure it’s working when you need it. If repairs are needed to this, the city must shut off water to your home for a plumber to replace this shutoff and this will take time to organize.
- Keep garage doors closed: If your garage has water lines, open doors can expose them to dangerously low temperatures. Keep them shut during the colder months.
A safe and simple investment
Preventing frozen pipes can be easy and the investment is minor compared to the cost of cleanup and repairs from a burst pipe. Taking a few minutes now can help you avoid damage, disruption, and stress later.
Every home is different, and so are insurance needs. At Westland, our local advisors can help ensure your coverage is ready for whatever winter brings. Connect with us today to review your policy and make sure you have the protection you need before the cold sets in.