When temperatures drop, your plumbing system faces one of its toughest challenges of the year: the risk of frozen pipes. A single frozen pipe can burst, causing major water damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, with a little preparation, you can protect your home and enjoy a worry-free winter. At The Great Plumbing Co., we’ve helped countless homeowners in the GTA keep their pipes safe during freezing weather. Here’s everything you need to know about winterizing your plumbing system from quick DIY steps to professional tips that ensure your home stays leak-free all season long.
Why Winterizing Your Plumbing Matters
When water freezes, it expands and that expansion puts immense pressure on your pipes. Even a small amount of ice buildup can cause cracks or bursts, especially in exposed areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls.
Beyond the mess and stress, burst pipes can cause:
Expensive repairs and water damage to floors, ceilings, and insulation
Mold and mildew growth from lingering moisture
Increased water bills from undetected leaks
Disruption to daily life (especially if your water supply needs to be shut off for repairs)
Taking time now to winterize your plumbing helps prevent these problems and ensures your system runs efficiently all season long.
Step 1: Insulate Your Pipes
Start by identifying pipes that are most at risk typically those in unheated or poorly insulated areas such as: Basements and crawl spaces – Garages and attics – Under sinks near exterior walls. Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or fiberglass sleeves to keep them warm. For extra protection, consider heat tape or heating cables that automatically turn on when temperatures drop.
Pro tip: Focus on pipes near exterior walls first — they’re the most vulnerable to freezing.
Step 2: Seal Drafts and Cold Air Leaks
Cold air sneaking into your home can quickly chill pipes. Inspect areas where plumbing enters or exits the home — around vents, doors, windows, and foundation gaps. Use caulk or spray foam insulation to seal cracks and prevent cold air from reaching your pipes. Even small gaps can make a big difference. Keeping warm air inside not only protects your plumbing but also helps lower heating costs.
Step 3: Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Fixtures
Outdoor plumbing is often the first to freeze. To protect your hoses and outdoor faucets:
Disconnect garden hoses and store them indoors.
Shut off the outdoor water supply using the indoor valve (usually located in the basement).
Open the exterior faucet to let any remaining water drain out.
If your home has frost-free hose bibs, you’re already one step ahead but still remove hoses to ensure proper drainage.
Step 4: Drain and Shut Down Sprinkler Systems
If you have an irrigation or sprinkler system, it’s crucial to blow out the lines before freezing temperatures arrive. Even small pockets of trapped water can cause underground pipes to crack. You can do this yourself with an air compressor if you’re comfortable, but most homeowners prefer to have a licensed plumber handle it safely and efficiently.
Step 5: Keep Interior Temperatures Consistent
Even if you’re away for the holidays, never let your home drop below 13°C (55°F). Maintaining a steady temperature keeps pipes from freezing in hidden areas. If you plan to be away for an extended period, ask a neighbour or family member to check your home periodically. Some smart thermostats can send alerts if your home’s temperature drops unexpectedly.
Step 6: Open Cabinet Doors
Pipes under sinks, especially those on exterior walls can freeze easily because warm air doesn’t circulate behind closed cabinet doors. Leave cabinet doors open overnight during cold snaps to allow heat to reach the pipes. If you have pets or children, use safety gates or locks to keep them away from exposed cleaning supplies.
Step 7: Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
If a deep freeze is forecast, let water drip slowly from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze and even a small flow can relieve pressure in the line. Focus on taps along exterior walls or in unheated spaces. While it might slightly increase your water bill, it’s far cheaper than a burst pipe repair.
Step 8: Check Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s ready for winter. Test it by pouring water into the pit, the pump should activate and drain the water quickly.
Inspect the discharge line outside your home to ensure it’s clear and angled properly to prevent freezing. A frozen discharge pipe can cause the pump to back up, leading to flooding in your basement.
Step 9: Know How to Shut Off Your Water Supply
In case a pipe does freeze or burst, you’ll need to act fast. Every homeowner should know where their main water shut-off valve is located.
📌For most homes, it’s near the water meter or where the main line enters your house.
📌Turn it clockwise to stop the water flow.
📌Label the valve and make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it. Quick action can prevent major damage.
Step 10: Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
Even the best DIY efforts can miss hidden issues. Before winter hits, consider booking a plumbing inspection with a trusted professional like The Great Plumbing Co. We’ll check for leaks, weak spots, and insulation gaps and ensure your system is ready to handle freezing temperatures. Our licensed plumbers can also install preventive features such as frost-proof hose bibs, pipe insulation upgrades and smart leak detectors that send alerts to your phone if a problem arises.
Stay Ahead of the Cold with The Great Plumbing Co.
Winterizing your plumbing isn’t just about avoiding frozen pipes it’s about protecting your home, saving money and gaining peace of mind. A little preparation now can spare you major headaches later. At The Great Plumbing Co., we’re here to help homeowners across Toronto and the GTA stay safe and comfortable through every season. Whether you need advice, inspection, or emergency support, our team is just a call away.
Stay warm, stay prepared, and trust The Great Plumbing Co. for all your plumbing needs this winter.
The Great Plumbing Co.
For nearly three decades, The Great Plumbing Co. has been providing exceptional plumbing services for homeowners as well as business owners throughout Toronto and the GTA. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky hose bib, a clogged drain, or a toilet repair and service you can trust The Great Plumbing Co. to deliver timely solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
Contact us or book online to schedule your residential plumbing appointment.
