❄️ How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in a Cambridge Winter

🧊 Winter in Cambridge = Pipe Trouble

When the temperature drops in Cambridge, your pipes are at risk—especially in unheated basements, garages, crawl spaces, and near exterior walls. A frozen pipe can quickly lead to a burst, flooding, and thousands in water damage. ❌



The good news? With the right steps, you can protect your plumbing and avoid an emergency call on a freezing January night.

🚨 Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Deal

When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands. That puts pressure on the pipe walls, which can cause them to crack or burst—even if the pipe itself doesn’t appear damaged. Once the ice thaws, you’ve got water gushing out.

In older areas of Cambridge like Galt or Preston, many homes have uninsulated or exposed plumbing, making them especially vulnerable.

🧠 Know Your Risk Zones

Keep a close eye on pipes located in:

• Exterior walls 🚪
• Unheated basements or crawl spaces 🧊
• Garages and laundry rooms 🔧
• Under kitchen or bathroom cabinets 🚽
• Outdoor hose bibs and faucets 🚿

✅ 6 Proven Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Here’s how to protect your plumbing from a deep freeze:

1. 🧵 Insulate Exposed Pipes

Wrap pipes in cold zones with pipe insulation foam, fiberglass sleeves, or even heating tape. Focus on:

• Basement ceilings
• Garage walls
• Crawl space piping

👉 Available at any local hardware store—cheap and effective!

2. 🚪 Leave Cabinet Doors Open

Let warm air circulate around pipes under your sinks by keeping bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open—especially during extreme cold.

3. 💧 Let Faucets Drip on Cold Nights

Letting a small trickle of cold water flow overnight keeps water moving and prevents pressure buildup in case it does freeze.

It might feel wasteful, but it’s far cheaper than a flood.

4. 🔥 Keep Your Heat On

Keep your home heated to at least 15°C (59°F)—even if you're away. Consider a smart thermostat to maintain heat during cold snaps or power outages.

5. 🚿 Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Shut off the valve to outdoor hose bibs, disconnect hoses, and drain the line. Use insulated faucet covers to prevent freezing.

6. 📦 Seal Cracks and Drafts

Use caulk or expanding foam to seal cracks in foundation walls, sill plates, and around pipe holes. This keeps cold air out and warm air in.

🧰 What If a Pipe Freezes?

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe.

Here's what to do:

• Keep the faucet open—as the frozen area begins to thaw, water will start to flow.
• Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels.
• Never use an open flame—it’s a fire hazard.
• If you can’t locate the frozen area or can’t thaw it yourself, call Reliant Plumbing right away.

❗If a pipe bursts, shut off your main water supply immediately and contact us for emergency repair.

🧑‍🔧 What Reliant Plumbing Can Do

Our team of licensed Cambridge plumbers can:

• Inspect your plumbing system for risk areas
• Professionally insulate exposed pipes
• Install heat cables or frost-free outdoor taps
• Repair or replace burst pipes fast
• Set up shut-off valves for added protection

We’re local—we know how bad Cambridge winters get, and we’ve seen it all. ❄️

🏠 Real Example: Burst Pipe in Hespeler

Last January, a homeowner in Hespeler left for the weekend without turning off their outdoor water line. The pipe froze and burst, flooding their basement bathroom.

We arrived within 90 minutes, shut off the water, repaired the burst, and helped them file an insurance claim. Had they installed a frost-proof spigot, the damage could’ve been avoided.

🔁 Bonus: Winter Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

• Disconnect all outdoor hoses
• Shut off and drain exterior faucets
• Insulate exposed pipes
• Seal cracks and gaps in foundation
• Open under-sink cabinets during cold nights
• Set thermostat to at least 15°C
• Know how to shut off your main water valve!

✅ Final Thoughts

Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient—they’re expensive. With a little prep, you can prevent plumbing disasters and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.

Need help winter-proofing your plumbing? Call Reliant Plumbing today—we’re ready with inspections, insulation, and emergency repairs, right here in Cambridge.



📍 Serving Galt • Hespeler • Preston • Cambridge • Kitchener • Waterloo
📞 519-778-3828
🌐 www.reliantplumbing.ca