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Burst pipes don't wait for business hours, and neither do we.
Why Ottawa Pipes Freeze
Ottawa's cold season runs roughly from early December to mid-March, and frost has been estimated to reach around 40 inches into the ground in a hard winter – deep enough to freeze a water service line that isn't buried to proper depth, or an exposed line in an unheated crawlspace, garage or exterior wall. A line that freezes once is at real risk of freezing again the same winter unless the underlying cause – insulation, depth, or exposure – is addressed rather than just thawed.
Frozen Pipe vs. Burst Pipe
Frozen, Not Yet Burst
No or reduced flow at a fixture – thawed with safe, controlled methods, never an open flame.
Already Burst
Often shows no problem until it thaws and leaks – shut off the main and call immediately.
If the frozen line is on the City's side of the property line, the City will thaw it at no charge. If it's on your side – which is most interior and many exterior residential lines – you're responsible for the cost, and repeat freezes mean repeat charges either from the City or from a private plumber. For a line that freezes more than once, we can assess whether rerouting, added insulation, or a heat trace cable is the more permanent fix.
Where Pipes Freeze in Ottawa Homes
Exterior Walls
Supply lines run through poorly insulated exterior walls are a common freeze point.
Unheated Crawlspaces & Garages
Lines exposed to unheated space see the coldest air in the building.
Underground Service Lines
A line not buried to proper depth is at risk once frost reaches it.
Why Ottawa Plumbing Experts for Freeze Season
Safe thawing methods
No open flame – we use methods that don't risk damaging the pipe further.
Permanent fixes for repeat freezes
Rerouting, insulation or heat trace for a line that freezes more than once.
Frozen Pipe FAQs
How can I prevent frozen pipes in Ottawa?
Keep exposed lines insulated, keep a trickle of water running during extreme cold on lines known to freeze, and keep unheated spaces like crawlspaces from dropping too far below freezing.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve if you can reach it safely, cut power to any nearby electrical if it's safe to do so, and call for emergency service immediately.
Does the City charge to thaw a frozen pipe?
Thawing is free if the frozen line is on municipal property. If it's on your side of the property line, you're billed for the work, and that charge applies every time.
Why does the same pipe keep freezing?
Usually inadequate depth, missing insulation, or exposure to cold air in an unheated space. We can assess whether rerouting or added insulation will stop the repeat freezing.