Frozen pipes are a common problem in Quebec, particularly during the severe cold of January and February. A frozen pipe can cause considerable damage when it thaws — water can seep into walls, floors, and foundations.
Why do pipes freeze?
Water freezes when the temperature in unheated spaces drops below 0°C. High-risk areas are primarily:
- Pipes in unheated garages
- Lines in old, poorly insulated exterior walls
- Pipes in cold basements or crawl spaces
- Cottages or vacation homes left without heating
Preventive measures
1. Insulate exposed pipes: Use tubular foam insulation (available at hardware stores) to wrap pipes in unheated areas.
2. Maintain a minimum temperature: Never let your home drop below 15°C, even during extended absences. For cottages, set the thermostat to a minimum of 5-7°C or perform a complete plumbing winterization.
3. Let a trickle of water run: During extreme cold (-20°C and below), letting a thin trickle of water run from faucets connected to at-risk pipes can prevent freezing.
4. Winterize outdoor pipes: Close and drain all exterior faucets before winter.
What to do if your pipes have frozen
- Don't panic: A frozen pipe is not necessarily broken.
- Shut off the main water supply in case the pipe bursts when thawing.
- Warm gently: Use a hair dryer, heating blanket, or warm towels — never an open flame.
- Call a plumber if you can't find the location of the frozen pipe or if water doesn't return after thawing.