Vancouver Gets Cold Enough to Freeze Pipes
We're not Winnipeg, but Vancouver temperatures regularly drop below freezing in winter. And our homes often aren't built for extreme cold — many pipes are in vulnerable locations.
Frozen pipes can burst, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Here's how to prevent it.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk
Exterior walls Pipes running through outside walls often have minimal insulation between them and the cold.
Unheated spaces
- Garages
- Crawl spaces
- Basements without heat
- Outdoor hose bibs
Attic and ceiling spaces If you have plumbing in the attic (some older Vancouver homes do), it's exposed to the coldest air in the house.
Newly built additions Sometimes the plumbing is routed through poorly insulated spaces to save cost.
Before the Cold: Preparation
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipe insulation (foam tubes) costs $2-5 per 6-foot section at any hardware store. Cover all exposed pipes in unheated areas.
For extra protection in very cold spots, use heat tape (electric heating cable) under the insulation.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Water left in a hose can freeze back into the pipe. Before temperatures drop:
- Disconnect all hoses
- Turn off the indoor shut-off for outdoor faucets (if you have one)
- Open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air sneaking in around pipes accelerates freezing. Check for gaps where pipes enter the house and seal with caulk or spray foam.
Know Your Vulnerable Spots
Walk through your home and identify:
- Where pipes are in exterior walls
- Which areas get the coldest
- Where the shut-off valve is
During Cold Weather
Keep Your Home Warm
Maintain at least 10°C (50°F) throughout your home, including unoccupied rooms. Yes, even if you're away.
This is not the time to turn off the heat to save money.
Open Cabinet Doors
Under kitchen and bathroom sinks, open cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes against exterior walls.
Let Faucets Drip
During extreme cold (below -5°C), let cold water trickle from faucets served by exposed pipes. Moving water doesn't freeze as easily.
A tiny drip is enough — you're just preventing pressure buildup, not wasting water.
Extra Heat for Problem Areas
Point a space heater at vulnerable spots, or use a lamp with an incandescent bulb (they generate heat) in enclosed spaces.
If You're Going Away
Don't turn off the heat. Keep it at minimum 10°C.
Consider draining the system if you'll be gone for an extended period during cold weather. A plumber can winterize your home.
Have someone check on the house periodically.
If Your Pipes Do Freeze (But Haven't Burst)
Signs of a frozen pipe:
- No water (or just a trickle) from a faucet
- Frost visible on a pipe
- Bulging or unusual shape in the pipe
What to do:
- Keep the faucet open — this relieves pressure as ice melts
- Apply heat gradually — use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or towels soaked in hot water
- Start from the faucet end — work toward the frozen section
- Never use open flames — no torches, no propane heaters
What NOT to do:
- Don't use a torch or open flame (fire risk and can crack pipes)
- Don't pour boiling water on pipes (thermal shock)
- Don't ignore it — frozen pipes can burst at any moment
If a Pipe Bursts
- Shut off the main water immediately
- Call an emergency plumber
- See our guide on what to do when a pipe bursts