How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

When winter hits Sarnia, temperatures can plummet fast — and so can your plumbing. Frozen or burst pipes are among the most expensive cold-weather disasters homeowners face. But with the right precautions, you can keep your water flowing and avoid costly damage.

At Custom Plumbing Sarnia, we’ve been helping local homeowners protect their plumbing systems since 1991. Here’s our guide to keeping your pipes safe all winter long.

Why Pipe Winterization Matters

When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands — often with enough pressure to crack or burst the pipe. Once the ice thaws, water begins leaking, flooding basements, damaging walls, and soaking insulation.

Even a small crack can release hundreds of litres of water per day. That’s why winterizing your plumbing before the cold hits is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner.

Common Causes of Frozen Pipes

Not every pipe is equally at risk. Pipes that are more likely to freeze include:

• Outdoor hose bibs and faucets
• Pipes in unheated areas, like garages, crawl spaces, or basements
• Pipes along exterior walls with little insulation
• Cabin or cottage plumbing systems left unused during winter

If your home has any of these, a few preventative steps can make all the difference.

How to Properly Winterize Your Plumbing

Follow these simple steps to protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures:

1. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets

Turn off the water supply to all exterior faucets, disconnect hoses, and drain any remaining water. This prevents freezing in outdoor lines.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Wrap any exposed pipes in insulation sleeves or heat tape — especially those in basements, attics, or crawl spaces. This helps maintain a stable temperature even during cold snaps.

3. Seal Cracks and Drafts

Use caulking or insulation to seal gaps around windows, foundation vents, and where pipes enter walls. Even a small draft can freeze a pipe.

4. Keep Interior Temperatures Consistent

Avoid letting your home’s temperature drop below 15°C (60°F), even when you’re away. A warm environment keeps your plumbing system safe.

5. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

A slow trickle of water can relieve pressure and prevent freezing inside pipes during severe cold warnings.

6. Consider Professional Winterization

If your home, rental, or cottage won’t be used this winter, Custom Plumbing can perform a full winterization service, ensuring your water lines, drains, and fixtures are safely prepared for freezing temperatures.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you suspect a frozen pipe (for example, no water flow or a strange gurgling sound), act fast:

1. Turn off your main water supply immediately.
2. Open nearby faucets to relieve pressure.
3. Use gentle heat (like a hair dryer) to warm the affected area — never use open flames.
4. Call Custom Plumbing Sarnia to inspect, thaw, or repair the line safely.

Why Sarnia Homeowners Trust Custom Plumbing

• Serving Sarnia and Lambton County since 1991
• Family-owned and locally operated
• Licensed, insured, and experienced in all residential and commercial plumbing
• Friendly, reliable, and committed to doing it right the first time

When the cold weather hits, you can count on Custom Plumbing’s experienced team to keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly.

Schedule Your Winterization Service Today

Don’t wait until your pipes freeze to think about protection.

Book your pipe winterization service with Custom Plumbing Sarnia today and rest easy knowing your home is prepared for the season ahead.

📞 Call Custom Plumbing Sarnia — trusted Sarnia plumbers since 1991. Your home’s best defence against winter starts now.