Worried you’ve waited too long to protect your pipes? Don’t worry – there’s still time to shield your Toronto home from winter’s deep freeze. Let’s walk through some quick steps you can take right now to prevent costly repairs later and winterize your pipes for the Toronto winter.
Those Outdoor Taps Need Your Attention
First things first – let’s talk about your outdoor faucets. Water left in these pipes can freeze and crack them open. You need to winterize these pipes for the harsh Toronto weather. Here’s what to do:
- Turn off the indoor shut-off valve for each outdoor tap
- Open the outdoor taps to drain remaining water
- Leave them open all winter (yes, really!)
- Add foam covers for extra protection
Your Garden Hoses Matter, Too
Don’t let your garden hoses become winter casualties. Drain them completely, coil them up, and store them in your garage or basement. Water expands when it freezes, and even a small amount left inside can split your hose from end to end.
Basement and Crawl Space Protection
Cold basements lead to frozen pipes. Take a quick walk through yours and look for:
- Gaps around pipes entering your house
- Cracks in the foundation
- Open vents that could let in cold air
Keep That Meter Cozy
Your water meter can freeze, too! If it’s in a cold spot, wrap it with foam insulation or an old blanket. Just remember – don’t cover the face of the meter. Your meter reader still needs to see those numbers.
Pipes That Need Extra Love
Some pipes are more likely to freeze than others. Watch out for:
- Pipes along exterior walls
- Plumbing in unheated spaces
- Water lines near your garage
- Pipes under kitchen sinks against outside walls
Contact a professional plumber about trouble areas.
Simple Daily Habits That Help
Small changes make a big difference:
- Keep cabinet doors under sinks open on really cold nights
- Let cold taps drip slightly when temperatures drop below -15°C
- Keep your home heated to at least 15°C, even when you’re away
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is (in case you need it quickly)
If Your Pipes Do Freeze
Don’t panic! Here’s what to do:
- Turn off the main water supply
- Open all your faucets
- Call a licensed plumber
- Turn up your heat
- Never use an open flame to thaw pipes
Time to Take Action
The best part? Most of these steps take just a few hours and cost less than dinner out. You can find everything you need at your local hardware store. Not comfortable doing it yourself? Many Toronto plumbers offer quick winterizing services.
Remember, the cost of preventing frozen pipes is tiny compared to fixing burst ones. Water damage from broken pipes can run into thousands of dollars and ruin irreplaceable items.
Need help figuring out where to start? We offer winter prep inspections. They’ll check your specific trouble spots and give you a clear plan of action.
Take care of your plumbing now, and you can relax knowing your home is ready for whatever winter throws at us!