Happy New Year! Winter Plumbing Tips to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
As we welcome the New Year, temps are often becoming their coldest here in Campbell River, BC. While the coastal climate is generally milder than much of Canada, freezing temperatures still happen—and when they do, frozen pipes can quickly turn into burst pipes, flooding, and costly repairs. Our biggest dilemma on these days is getting to everyone at once, so it’s important to prepare in advance.
If you are currently finding yourself in an emergency please contact us by phone 250-923-8585 or message us on social media.
Starting the year with a few preventative plumbing steps can save homeowners a lot of stress and expense. Here’s how to protect your plumbing system through the winter months.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Risk
When water freezes, it expands. If that expansion happens inside your plumbing, pressure builds and can cause pipes to crack or burst—often in hidden areas like crawlspaces, exterior walls, and garages. The damage is usually discovered after the pipe thaws, when water begins leaking.
Key Winter Plumbing Tips for Campbell River Homes
1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipes located in crawlspaces, attics, exterior walls, garages, and under manufactured homes are most at risk. Pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape can go a long way in preventing freezing. Pipe insulation looks much like a pool noodle and can be found at hardware stores in town. Click here to view Home Depot’s selection.
2. Protect Your Crawlspace
Crawlspaces are common in our area and often overlooked. Make sure vents are properly closed in winter, insulation is intact, and there are no drafts blowing directly onto exposed pipes.
3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Lines
Remove garden hoses and ensure hose bibs are shut off and drained. If your home has an interior shutoff for exterior faucets, close it and open the outdoor tap to release any remaining water.
4. Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature
Even if you’re heading away, keep your thermostat set to at least 12–15°C. This helps protect pipes in walls and floors, especially overnight during cold snaps.
5. Let Faucets Drip During Cold Nights
Allowing a small, steady drip from faucets—particularly those farthest from your main water entry—keeps water moving and reduces the chance of freezing. Use a bowl to save this water for later.
6. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
If a pipe does freeze or burst, being able to quickly shut off your water can significantly limit damage. If your shutoff valve is old or hard to turn, it may be time for a replacement. Now is a good time to check it.
7. Check Sump Pumps and Drainage
Winter rain combined with frozen ground can overwhelm sump systems. Make sure your sump pump is working properly and that discharge lines are clear and protected from freezing.
Warning Signs of a Frozen Pipe
- Reduced or no water flow from a faucet
- Frost on exposed piping
- Unusual smells from drains
- Bulging or cracked pipes
If you suspect a frozen pipe, avoid using open flames to thaw it. Instead, contact a professional to safely assess the situation.
Start the New Year Protected
Winter plumbing problems often happen suddenly—but many are preventable with a little planning. If you’d like help insulating pipes, checking your crawlspace, upgrading shutoff valves, or preparing your home for cold weather, Service Pro Plumbing is here to help.
📍 Proudly serving Campbell River and surrounding areas
🌐 www.serviceproplumbers.ca
Here’s to a safe, dry, and worry-free start to the New Year!