COLD WEATHER PLUMBING
Frozen Pipe Repair in British Columbia
No water from a fixture, unusually low flow or a pipe exposed to freezing conditions? Frozen plumbing can restrict water flow and may lead to pipe damage as temperatures change.
WINTER PLUMBING
Frozen pipes shouldn’t be ignored.
The pipe may be frozen without having failed — but damage can become apparent as the pipe thaws.
WATCH FOR
Signs a pipe may be frozen
01
No water from a faucet
02
Unusually weak water flow
03
Visible frost on exposed piping
04
Plumbing in a cold or unheated area
WHY IT MATTERS
A Frozen Pipe and a Burst Pipe Aren’t the Same Thing.
Freezing is the condition. Pipe failure is one possible consequence.
When water inside plumbing freezes, normal water flow can be restricted and pressure conditions inside the system can change. A frozen pipe may remain intact, or the plumbing may become damaged.
In some situations, the problem becomes more obvious as the frozen section begins to thaw and water starts moving again. That’s why a frozen line deserves attention even when there isn’t visible water around it yet.
Pipe already leaking or burst? See Burst Pipe Repair →
WHERE FREEZING CAN HAPPEN
Cold Areas Put Plumbing at Greater Risk.
Exterior Walls
Plumbing routed through areas exposed to exterior temperatures may be more vulnerable during cold weather.
Basements
Colder basement areas can expose plumbing to lower temperatures, particularly near exterior walls.
Crawl Spaces
Plumbing in poorly heated or exposed crawl spaces may experience colder conditions than the living space above.
Garages
Water lines running through unheated garages can be exposed to significant temperature drops.
Utility Areas
Mechanical and utility spaces can become cold enough to affect nearby water piping.
Not sure where it’s frozen?
The affected fixture doesn’t always tell you exactly which section of plumbing has frozen.
IF YOU SUSPECT A FROZEN PIPE
What Should You Do Now?
01
Check for visible water
Look around accessible plumbing and nearby surfaces for dripping, moisture or signs that a pipe has already failed.
02
Know where your water shut-off is
If a frozen pipe has been damaged and begins leaking, being able to shut off the water can help limit additional water escaping into the property.
03
Avoid uncontrolled high heat
Don’t use an open flame or other unsafe high-heat method on frozen plumbing.
04
Get the plumbing checked
If water isn’t flowing normally or you’re concerned the pipe may have been damaged, arrange plumbing service.
Request Service →
THAW
WHEN THE ICE MELTS
The Leak May Appear After the Pipe Starts Thawing.
A frozen pipe isn’t always visibly leaking while the water inside it remains frozen. If the pipe or a connection has been damaged, water may become visible once flow returns.
If moisture appears but the source isn’t obvious, the affected plumbing may need to be located before the repair can be determined.
BEFORE THE NEXT COLD SNAP
Reduce Exposure to Freezing Conditions.
The appropriate prevention depends on where the plumbing is located and why the area becomes cold, but recurring frozen pipes are worth investigating rather than treating as a normal winter occurrence.
Insulation
Consider whether vulnerable plumbing is adequately protected.
Cold-air exposure
Look for plumbing located near drafts or poorly protected areas.
Heating
Pay attention to utility areas that become unusually cold.
Recurring problems
Repeated freezing may justify a closer look at the plumbing layout.
FROZEN PIPE FAQ
Common Questions About Frozen Plumbing
How can I tell if a water pipe is frozen?
Possible signs include no water or reduced flow from a fixture, visible frost on accessible plumbing, or a water line located in an area exposed to very cold conditions.
Does a frozen pipe always burst?
No. A pipe can freeze without failing. However, freezing conditions can lead to plumbing damage, so normal flow returning does not automatically confirm that the pipe is undamaged.
Why can a frozen pipe leak after it thaws?
If the pipe or a connection was damaged while frozen, the leak may become more apparent once the ice melts and water begins flowing through the affected area again.
Should I use a torch to thaw a frozen pipe?
No. Open flames and uncontrolled high heat should not be used on frozen plumbing.
FROZEN PIPE PROBLEM?
