Frozen pipe prevention checklist for Canadian cold snaps
Practical steps to reduce frozen-pipe risk before prolonged cold, especially around exterior walls and vulnerable service lines.
Updated September 28, 2026Know which pipes are vulnerable
Toronto identifies plumbing near exterior walls and where the water service enters the foundation as common freeze locations. Ottawa notes that prolonged severe cold can freeze underground water-service pipes at vulnerable properties.
Prepare before the coldest night
Know the location of the main water shutoff, keep vulnerable indoor areas warm, and follow any municipality-specific instructions if your property receives a run-water advisory or similar notice. Do not invent a constant-drip strategy when local authorities have provided different instructions for your service line.
Create a response plan
If water stops, determine whether the problem affects one fixture or the whole property. If a pipe is cracked, bulging or leaking, shutoff readiness matters because damage can appear as the pipe thaws. Toronto specifically warns against using an open flame to thaw pipes.