Calgary's winters are no joke. Every year, we get emergency calls from homeowners dealing with burst pipes in January. The good news: frozen pipes are almost entirely preventable.
Why Pipes Freeze
Water expands when it freezes — about 9% in volume. That expansion creates enormous pressure inside your pipes, which can crack or burst even copper and steel. The most vulnerable pipes are those in exterior walls, unheated crawl spaces, garages, and anywhere insulation is thin.
Before Winter Hits (October is ideal)
1. Insulate exposed pipes. Any pipe in an unheated space — garage, crawl space, attic — should be wrapped in foam pipe insulation. It's cheap at any hardware store and takes minutes to install.
2. Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Leave the outdoor tap open slightly after disconnecting to let residual water drain. A frozen outdoor tap can back-freeze into your home's supply line.
3. Know where your main shutoff is. If a pipe does burst, you need to shut off water fast. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main shutoff valve is.
4. Check your heat tape. If you have electric heat tape on pipes, test it before the season. It should be warm to the touch when plugged in.
During Cold Snaps (-20°C and below)
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach the pipes.
Let taps drip slightly — even a slow drip keeps water moving, which is much harder to freeze than still water.
Keep your thermostat consistent. Don't drop the heat dramatically at night — the savings aren't worth the risk.
If you're leaving for vacation, never set the heat below 15°C. Shut off the main water supply and drain the pipes if you'll be gone more than a few days.
What To Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a tap and nothing comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Do not use an open flame to thaw it — this causes fires. Use a hair dryer on low, working from the tap end toward the frozen section.
If the pipe has already burst, shut off the main water immediately and call DMS at 403-619-6614. We offer 24/7 emergency response across Calgary.
Owner of DMS Plumbing & Heating, serving Calgary with honest, expert plumbing and heating services.
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