How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in a Calgary Winter

Frozen pipes are one of the most preventable emergencies in a Calgary winter, and the fixes are mostly cheap and boring. The pipes most at risk are the ones in unheated or exterior-wall spaces: the garage, the crawlspace, and outside hose bibs.

Before the cold snap

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off the outdoor hose bibs at their interior valve.
• Insulate exposed pipes in the garage, crawlspace and along exterior walls.
• On the coldest nights, let a vulnerable tap run at a trickle and open cabinet doors so warm air reaches the pipes.
• Keep the house above about 15C even when you are away.

If a pipe is already frozen

Shut off the main so a thaw does not turn into a flood, open the nearest tap to relieve pressure, and warm the area gently with a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame. If you cannot find it or it has already burst, call.

Get help with frozen pipes