How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
Toronto's freeze-thaw cycles are notorious for wreaking havoc on residential plumbing. After 12 years of emergency calls during cold snaps, I've put together this comprehensive guide to help you protect your home.
Why Frozen Pipes Are Dangerous
When water freezes, it expands by about 9%. In a closed pipe, this creates enormous pressure — up to 2,000 PSI — which can easily burst copper, PVC, or even steel pipes. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour.
Prevention Checklist
Before the Freeze
During Cold Snaps (-15°C or colder)
What To Do If Pipes Freeze
Don't panic, but act quickly:
Cost of Prevention vs. Repair
| Prevention | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pipe insulation | $50-150 |
| Faucet covers | $10-30 |
| Heat tape | $30-80 |
| Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Burst pipe repair | $500-2,500 |
| Water damage restoration | $3,000-10,000+ |
| Emergency weekend call | $200-400 (just the visit) |
The math speaks for itself.
Stay warm and keep those pipes flowing! Questions? I'm happy to help in the comments.
