Frozen pipes: prevent them, thaw them, and avoid a burst

What every Canadian homeowner should do before the first deep cold snap.

Last reviewed May 31, 2026 by the EveryDIY.ca editorial team

20–40 min $20–$80 CAD CAD pricing

Safety first. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. Smell gas? Leave the house and call your utility's emergency line — do not flip switches.

Prevention (do this in November)

Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. A connected hose traps water that backs up into the wall and freezes.
Insulate pipes in unheated spaces with foam sleeves (~$3 per 6 ft at Canadian Tire).
Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bath sinks on the coldest nights — lets warm air reach the pipes.
Let one faucet drip during extreme cold (below −20°C). Moving water freezes much slower than still water.
Keep the thermostat no lower than 13°C even when away.

Thawing a frozen pipe

Open the faucet the pipe feeds, so steam can escape.
Warm the pipe with a hair dryer or warm wet towels. Start at the faucet end and work back.
Never use an open flame. Never.
As ice melts, you'll see a trickle, then full flow.

Already burst?

Shut off the main water valve immediately.
Open the lowest tap in the house to drain pressure.
Bucket and towels. Photograph for insurance.
Call a licensed plumber.

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Editorial note. Wear appropriate PPE. When in doubt — especially with electrical, gas, or structural work — hire a licensed Canadian tradesperson. See our safety policy.