Winterizing Your Plumbing in Canada: Shutting Off, Draining and Preventing Frozen Pipes

In much of Canada, water in a pipe that freezes can expand and split the pipe, and the damage often shows up only when it thaws. Preparing before the first freeze is far cheaper than repairing a burst pipe. This guide collects practical steps from two Canadian insurance-company guides and explains how to think about them for your own house. It is general information; every plumbing system is a little different.

Two situations: staying home and leaving

You live in the house all winter. The main goal is to stop outdoor lines from freezing and to protect pipes in cold areas such as unheated basements, garages and attics.

You will be away, or the house is a seasonal property. An insurer's guide quoted below says draining the pipes is especially important if you will be away for an extended period, particularly if you will lower the furnace or the power may go out.

Step 1: Outdoor water lines (do this before the first freeze)

Economical Insurance describes the process for each outdoor source:

Shut off the outdoor valve. It is usually inside the house, often near the ceiling, in the wall where the outdoor faucet is. Turn it clockwise.
Disconnect the hose, close the outdoor faucet, and run any nozzle to drain the hose.
Open the outdoor faucet to let the remaining water out, then close it.
Place a bucket under the indoor valve, open its small drain plug or cap, and close it once the water stops.

Repeat these steps for each outdoor water source. The Personal, another insurer, agrees on the principle: turn off and drain outdoor lines before winter, because lines in unheated or uninsulated areas freeze most easily.

Step 2: Draining the indoor pipes (for an extended absence)

The Economical guide lists these steps:

Shut off the main supply. The valve is usually in the basement near the water meter, on the wall facing the street. Turn tap- or knob-style valves clockwise; for lever-style valves, turn the lever toward the off arrow.
Open the faucets. Start with the lowest faucet in the basement, then work upward. Leave them open.
Flush the toilets. Start on the top floor and work down, holding the flush lever until each tank is empty.
Add plumbing antifreeze to sink and tub drains and to each toilet bowl so leftover water does not freeze.
Drain water appliances, such as the washing machine, dishwasher and water heater, following the manufacturer's instructions.

The same guide suggests considering a professional plumber the first time you drain the pipes, since plumbing setups vary, and reviewing your home insurance with a licensed broker to confirm coverage for water damage. Do not drain a water heater or treat any gas or electrical appliance without following the manufacturer's instructions. If you are unsure, ask a licensed plumber.

Step 3: Keep pipes warm while you are home

The Personal gives these tips:

If you travel in winter, keep the heat on at a safe setting rather than shutting it off.
Leave interior doors open so warm air circulates, keep garage doors closed, and open kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities to improve airflow.
Insulate water pipes in unheated spaces such as the basement, garage and attic.
Have a professional relocate exposed pipes, especially if they have frozen before.
Before a long absence, shut off the main water supply, drain the pipes starting from the top floor, ask someone to check on your home, and tell your insurer.

What to do if a pipe freezes

Signs include a trickle from the tap or a sudden drop in water pressure. The Personal suggests:

Shut off the main water valve.
Warm the pipe with a hair dryer, heating pad or portable space heater. Avoid open flames and blowtorches, which can damage plastic pipes or start a fire.
Keep the nearest faucet open so water can flow as the ice melts.
Check other faucets, since more than one pipe may be frozen.
If you cannot reach the pipe or it will not thaw, call a licensed plumber.
Before restoring the water, check for cracks or damage, and call a plumber if unsure.
If water damage occurs, contact your insurance company.

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Pumps and winter: a note

If your house has a sump pump, its discharge hose can freeze too. A town information sheet from Cobourg, Ontario, advises protecting the discharge hose from freezing and, if it discharges to a ditch, burying it below the frost line (see our Canadian sump pump guide). We have not verified recommendations for other pumps, such as well pumps or booster pumps. For those, follow the manufacturer's winter instructions or ask a licensed professional.

What this guide could not verify

Local frost depths and building-code requirements for your city.
Which antifreeze products are suitable for your system; use only plumbing antifreeze and follow the label.
Insurance conditions: they differ by insurer and policy, so ask your broker.
Any price for plumbers or materials.

Quick checklist

Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor lines before the first freeze.
Know where your main shut-off is and test that it turns.
Insulate pipes in cold spaces.
Keep the heat on if you travel, or drain the system for a long absence.
Arrange for someone to check on the home.
Talk to your insurer and consider a plumber for the first drain-down.

Request a quote

Want a plumber to inspect pipes, insulate cold areas or help with a first winter drain-down? Describe your needs briefly and we will pass your request to qualified local professionals.

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General information only, not professional or legal advice. Follow your insurer's conditions, local codes and manufacturers' instructions.