BC may be known for mild winter weather, however freezing temperatures still happen across the province. With frigid temperatures occurring across British Columbia, homeowners should be considerate of the vulnerable areas around their property, such as pipes.
Homeowners in rural areas and mountainous regions are often especially conscious of these areas. The colder the climate, the higher the risk of pipes freezing and bursting. All it takes is a single burst pipe to cause widespread water damage. You might think your property insurance is covered; however, there could be a major coverage gap. We recommend that homeowners do not assume the insurance policy will cover everything, including frozen pipes.
Simple Tips to Prevent Pipes From Freezing
The best offence is a good defence. Protecting your pipes through preventative measures is a lot easier than having to repair damage.
- Maintain Temperatures Indoors: Warm temperatures do more than keep you comfortable. You might not be able to control the weather outdoors, but maintaining steady temperatures inside can help to prevent frozen pipes. Upgrades like smart thermostats offer energy-saving benefits as well as protect plumbing. When there is a cold snap on the horizon, set the temperatures a little higher to compensate.
- Insulate the Pipes: Due to the mild climate in BC, it’s common for pipes to be uninsulated and outdoor faucets to be exposed. There’s never a bad time to insulate exposed pipes. During the warmer months, insulated pipes add to the energy efficiency of homes, and in winter, protect against freezing. Insulated sleeves are cost-effective and available at most hardware stores.
- Leave Faucets Dripping: The pipes around your home run through areas that are both heated and unheated. Exposed pipes and those that run along exterior walls are the most vulnerable to cold weather. When faucets are left on a slow drip, the water supply is constantly moving and is less likely to freeze.
- Leave Cupboards Slightly Open: Kitchens and bathrooms are central hubs for plumbing lines. These lines are often located against exterior walls with cold air right on the other side. When left open, cabinets and cupboards are exposed to warm air. Ensuring that warm air is circulating in these often closed-off areas reduces the risk of freezing.
- Check Your Garage Doors: It’s common for plumbing lines to run through the garage, particularly attached models. If there are large gaps under doors or doors are left open for long periods, it will let cold air in. Long-term exposure to cold air increases the risk of pipes freezing.
Treating Frozen Pipes: Let Plumbers Handle the Heavy Lifting
It is often a homeowner’s nightmare to discover during a morning shower that there is no water coming from the tap. If you turn the tap and the water trickles out, your pipes are likely frozen. If this is the case, leave the faucet open and call your local plumber immediately.
Local plumbing experts know how to thaw pipes without causing damage. It seems simple enough to boil some water or use a blowtorch to thaw pipes; however, this can result in serious damage. It is never a good idea to have an open flame near your plumbing, leave this task for a professional plumber that has the right quality tools for the job.
Even with preventative measures in place, pipes can freeze. Knowing that a pipe is frozen is the first step to solving the problem, but it definitely isn’t the last one. Plumbing systems are made up of exposed pipes and buried ones. A plumber can help you to determine where the pipe has frozen and the best way to address it. Experienced plumbers have specialized equipment designed to thaw frozen pipes without causing damage.
If a pipe does burst, it is important to shut off your water supply immediately to prevent damage. Contact your local professional plumber to assess and repair the problem. They will be able to help assess the severity of the issue and provide details on the immediate next steps.
