Moncton winters are serious. When temperatures drop below –15°C — which happens regularly between December and February — unprotected pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, unheated garages, and under kitchen sinks are at genuine risk of freezing. A frozen pipe doesn't just interrupt your water supply. When it thaws, it can burst, and a burst pipe in a wall or ceiling can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage before you even know it's happening.
The good news is that frozen pipes are almost entirely preventable. The steps are straightforward, and most of them cost very little. Here's what to do before the cold arrives — and what to do if you're already dealing with a frozen line.
Before the Cold: Preventative Steps
- Insulate exposed pipes — any pipe in an unheated space (crawl space, garage, exterior wall cavity) should be wrapped with foam pipe insulation. It's inexpensive and takes an hour to install.
- Seal air leaks near pipes — cold air infiltration is often the actual cause of freezing, not just ambient temperature. Check where pipes pass through exterior walls and seal gaps with spray foam.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses — leaving a hose connected traps water in the outdoor faucet and the pipe behind it. Disconnect hoses before the first hard frost and shut off the interior valve if you have one.
- Know where your main shutoff is — if a pipe does burst, the first thing you need to do is stop the water. Find your main shutoff valve now, before you need it.
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls — this allows heated air to circulate around the pipes. It's a simple step that makes a real difference on the coldest nights.
During Extreme Cold: Active Precautions
When the forecast calls for temperatures below –20°C, standard insulation may not be enough for the most vulnerable pipes. A few additional steps can make the difference:
- Let a trickle of water run overnight from a faucet served by a vulnerable pipe — moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water
- Keep your home heated to at least 15°C, even if you're away — the cost of extra heating is far less than the cost of a burst pipe
- If you're leaving for an extended period, consider shutting off the main water supply and draining the lines
If a Pipe Is Already Frozen
The signs of a frozen pipe are usually obvious: you turn on a tap and nothing comes out, or only a trickle. If this happens, do not panic — a frozen pipe hasn't necessarily burst yet. Here's what to do:
- Locate the frozen section — it's usually in an exterior wall, under a sink, or in a crawl space
- Open the faucet before you start thawing — this releases pressure as the ice melts
- Apply gentle heat — a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels work well. Never use an open flame.
- Work from the faucet end toward the frozen section — this lets water escape as it thaws
- If you can't locate the frozen section, or if the pipe is inside a wall, call a plumber immediately
If you suspect a pipe has burst — even if you don't see water yet — shut off the main water supply immediately and call a licensed plumber.
What to Do After a Burst Pipe
A burst pipe is a multi-trade problem. The plumber stops the water and repairs the line. But the water that escaped has likely saturated drywall, insulation, and possibly flooring. Depending on where the pipe was, an electrical inspection may be required before the wall is closed. The drywall needs to be replaced and finished. The paint needs to match.
This is exactly the kind of situation CORE was built for. One call, one team, full scope — from the plumbing repair through to the finished wall. If you're dealing with a burst pipe or want to get ahead of the problem before winter sets in, contact CORE Plumbing for an assessment.
