How to Prevent (and Safely Thaw) Frozen Pipes in Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver winters are usually mild — which is exactly why frozen-pipe damage catches so many homeowners off guard during a cold snap. Pipes here are often run through less-insulated spaces because deep freezes are rare. A single burst pipe can flood a home in minutes. Here is how to prevent it, drawn from established public-safety guidance.

Prevention: before the cold arrives

• Insulate vulnerable pipes — especially along exterior walls and in crawl spaces, attics and garages — with foam pipe sleeves from any hardware store.
• Keep the house warm. Hold the indoor temperature above 21°C during extreme cold; a slightly higher heating bill is far cheaper than a burst pipe.
• Let a tap drip. Moving water resists freezing — during bitter cold, leave a cold-water tap (the bathtub is ideal) running at a trickle.
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, dryer vents and where pipes enter the home, to keep cold air off the plumbing.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses, shut off the outdoor water supply, and drain the exterior taps — outdoor faucets freeze first.

If a pipe freezes

• Keep the faucet open. As the ice melts, running water through the pipe helps clear it.
• Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, space heater or heat lamp, kept well away from water and anything flammable.
• Never use an open flame or torch. It is a serious fire hazard and can damage the pipe.
• If you can't reach or thaw it, call a licensed plumber before the pipe bursts.

What do I do if a pipe bursts?

Shut off your home’s main water supply immediately, open taps to relieve pressure, and call for emergency plumbing service. The faster the water is off, the less damage you face.

Bottom line

A few dollars of pipe insulation and a dripping tap can save you thousands in water damage. If you are heading into a cold snap unsure whether your home is protected — or you are already dealing with a frozen or burst pipe — we answer 24/7.