Frozen water pipes: Act quickly

Frozen water? Act fast!

Once you suspect that a pipe is frozen, you have to act quickly because it could burst. And a broken pipe can lead to significant water damage!

You should know that many home insurance policies cover you against breakage caused by freezing; however, some only cover specific risks, such as fire and theft, but not freezing. Check your coverage with your insurer, especially if you own a seasonal or mobile home.

Want to know if water damage is covered or not? See our tips.

Finding the frozen pipe

Before you can act, you have to locate the problem. Your search will be easier if you’re familiar with your home’s structure, including its less-insulated areas; for example, pipes near exterior walls are more likely to freeze, especially those in north-facing walls.

Focus on areas that tend to be colder, such as closets, kitchen cabinets (if the problem is with the water inlet) or bathroom cabinets (if there’s no water coming out of the sink or shower faucet). You can locate the frozen part of the pipe by looking for frost formed on its surface.

If you’re not sure, you can pinpoint the area to be warmed by running a damp cloth along the pipe: it will “catch” slightly as you go over the frozen part.

Thawing pipes effectively and safely

The ideal tool for thawing pipes safely is a hair dryer. Turn on the faucet and slowly move the dryer closer to the frozen area, making sure to distribute the heat evenly.

You also have other options besides a hair dryer: a small radiator (mechanical ventilation or radiant-heat type), heat lamp or high-wattage light bulb. Place the heat source near the pipe for a few minutes, then gradually move it closer. You sometimes need to be patient: it might take more than a few seconds for it to work. Be careful not to put the heat source in direct contact with the pipe, or with any potentially flammable surrounding material, for that matter.

If the frozen pipe is located behind a wall, the gradual heating method will still work, but it will take longer because the heat transfer will be less direct.

Some people suggest thawing out pipes using a propane torch in combination with a heat-resistant barrier placed between the pipe and the wall. This method is not advisable, as the risks of weakening a pipe weld or causing fire are too great.

If your attempts to fix the problem are unsuccessful, call a plumber to the rescue right away. You can find one in the list of CAA-Quebec Approved Residential Suppliers.

Preventing frozen pipe issues

Frozen plumbing can often be avoided. Here are some options to permanently improve your pipes’ insulation:

• Install foam sleeves around the pipes.
• Wrap the cold-sensitive pipe with insulating tape.
• Wrap a heating cable around the pipe, and plug it in to prevent freezing.

Also, if you have serious doubts about the potential risk of pipes freezing in your home, CAA-Quebec residential advisors suggest you leave a trickle of water running at all times during periods of intense cold lasting several days. You can also keep unheated closet or cupboard doors open.

What to do if your home’s water inlet pipe freezes? 

You must know that risks involved in thawing out this pipe range from water damage to a fire, but doing nothing at all is just as dangerous: the frozen pipe may burst and flood your basement. 

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec does not require contractors to be licenced to thaw out pipes. You could, for example, call on a company that specializes in unblocking drains and other pipes. Tip: Inquire with your municipality before undertaking this type of work, as some have specific requirements.   

It should also be remembered that all plumbing and electrical work must be carried out by members of the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ) or of the Corporation des maîtres-électriciens du Québec (CMEQ).