Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing During the Cold Months

Are you worried about your pipes freezing during the cold winter months? You don’t have to, not with proper heating and the following tips offered to you by the heating and plumbing experts at Plomberie Chauffage Normand.

Tips for All Seasons

In Montreal, we like to say there are two seasons: winter and construction. You can use both seasons to help prevent your pipes from freezing in the cold months, which is why we offer a few DIY plumber tips for each season.

DIY Plumber Tips for Construction Season (a.k.a. Summer)

Tip 1: Maintain Your Furnace

To help ensure continual indoor heat during a cold Montreal winter, keep up to date on your furnace maintenance. Try to schedule maintenance in early fall before the deep cold settles in and appointments with your furnace technician become filled.

Tip 2: Tend to Drafts and Cracks

If you notice cool drafts in your home or building, consider adding insulation before the return of winter. Look for cracks as well and seal them with caulking or other sealants. This will help keep the cold out and the heat in.

Tip 3: Insulate Your Pipes

Depending on what type of building you are concerned about (house, garage, shop, etc.), you may need or want extra insulation for your pipes, especially exterior ones. While you can insulate your pipes yourself, it is recommended to ask your plumber for their advice on the type to use.

Tip 4: Winterize Plumbing

Most homeowners do not need to worry about this, but if you have a cabin or another seasonal building, you may want to consult a plumber about pouring diluted RV antifreeze down the drain of your sinks, tubs, and showers as well as in the tank of drained toilets.

DIY Plumber Tips for Winter

Tip 1: Keep the Temperature above 12.5° Celsius

While room temperature is generally considered to be 20-22° Celsius in Montreal, many people lower the thermostat at night or during an absence. However, to prevent pipes from freezing, always keep the temperature above 12.5° Celsius.

Tip 2: Keep Outdoor Windows and Doors Closed  

This may seem logical, but there are various reasons for leaving a garage door or a window open for an extended period. In addition to raising your heating costs, this practice also allows warm air to escape and cold, freezing air to enter.

Tip 3: Leave the Water Running   

Although it flies in the face of your parents’ loud admonishments to shut off the water, maintaining a constant trickle will help prevent pipes from freezing if your heating has gone out.

Bonus Tip:

Call Plomberie Chauffage Normand in Montreal with any heating and plumbing concerns you may have.