A white background with a few lines on it

How Seasonal Weather in Cambridge Affects Your Plumbing (and What to Do About It)

June 19, 2025

How Cambridge’s Weather Impacts Your Plumbing Year-Round

A frozen river in a city with a bridge in the background.


How Seasonal Weather in Cambridge Affects Your Plumbing (and What to Do About It)


Living in Cambridge means seeing everything from frigid winters to humid summers—and your plumbing definitely feels it. Here’s a season-by-season guide to navigating common challenges, with actionable tips and local insight.


❄️ Winter: Prevent Frozen or Burst Pipes


Why it matters in Cambridge:


Winters here regularly dip below freezing, putting exposed pipes in unheated spaces at high risk.

What to do:


  • Insulate or heat tape exposed pipes (in basements, crawl spaces, garages).
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses/faucets, then cover your spigots .
  • Keep heat on (no lower than about 15 °C/59 °F) and leave cabinet doors open to let warm air reach vulnerable pipes
  • Let faucets drip during cold snaps to prevent pressure buildup and freezing



🔧 When to call Reliant Plumbing:


If a pipe bursts or you notice no water at faucets,
shut off the main valve and call us immediately.


💧 Spring: Sump Pump & Flood Protection


Why it matters:


Melting snow and rain overload basements and drains.

What to do:


  • Test and inspect your sump pump—remove debris, ensure it starts and drains properly.
  • Upgrade with a battery backup pump to safeguard against basement flooding during power outages.


☀️ Summer: Hard Water & Increased Demand


Why it matters:


Higher water usage and local hard water (rich in calcium and magnesium) strain fixtures and appliances.

Key steps:


  • Clean aerators/showerheads to remove buildup.
  • Consider water softener checks or installations to reduce scale—ask us for a free water test!


🍂 Fall: Pre-Winter Prep


Why it matters:


This season is your last chance to winterize your plumbing before temperatures drop.

Essential actions:


  • Clean gutters & downspouts to prevent ice dams.
  • Insulate exposed pipes, especially in garages and crawlspaces.
  • Seal gaps/cracks near pipes to block drafts (realsimple.com, thespruce.com, bromac.ca).


🔁 When to Call a Pro


  • Internal leaks or burst pipes
  • Sump pump failure
  • Recurring drips after insulation
  • Widespread water pressure issues


Reliant Plumbing specializes in seasonal plumbing maintenance, serving Cambridge, Galt, Hespeler, Preston, Kitchener, and Waterloo.


Why Choose Reliant Plumbing


✅ Why Choose Reliant Plumbing


Local Expertise
We understand Cambridge’s unique plumbing challenges, from hard water to freezing winters.


Year-Round Service
Whether it’s winter pipe protection or spring sump pump prep, we’ve got you covered all year.


Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees—just honest, upfront quotes every time.


Licensed Professionals
Our team is fully licensed, insured, and backed by years of hands-on experience.


Don’t wait for a freeze, flood, or malfunction. Schedule your seasonal plumbing checkup with Reliant Plumbing today:


519‑778‑3828 | 📍 13 Lidstone St, Cambridge, ON | 🌐 reliantplumbing.ca


Stay ahead of the seasons—and keep your home worry-free all year long.