Did you wake up on a cold morning to find no water coming from the taps? A frozen pipe is one of the most common winter plumbing problems in the GTA, and acting quickly can prevent a burst.
We repair frozen and burst water lines across Toronto, Peel and Halton, and our emergency line is answered 24/7. Here is what to do.
If you have no water right now
Open a tap. Open the faucet nearest the frozen section so water can flow once it thaws and pressure can escape.
Find the frozen section. Frozen pipes are usually along outside walls, in unheated spaces or where the water line enters the basement.
Use gentle heat. Warm the pipe with a hair dryer, a space heater kept at a safe distance or warm towels. Start near the tap and work back toward the frozen area.
Never use an open flame. Torches and open flames can start a fire and damage the pipe.
If a pipe has burst
Shut off the main water valve right away. It is usually near the water meter where the line enters the house. Then call a plumber. Our 24/7 line is ready to help.
When the problem is underground
If the water service under your lawn or near the foundation has frozen, it may be too shallow or poorly protected. We can thaw the line safely and discuss lowering or rerouting it so it does not freeze again.
How to prevent frozen pipes
Keep the heat on and cabinet doors open along exterior walls during cold snaps. Seal drafts near pipes, insulate pipes in unheated spaces and disconnect garden hoses before winter. If a pipe freezes more than once, it is time to fix the cause.
Get in touch with our team if you need help thawing a pipe or preventing another freeze.
