Why Do My Pipes Freeze When It Isn't That Cold?

Why is wind the problem?

Kingston is one of the most consistently windy cities in Canada, especially near the water. A pipe sitting in a draft cools much faster than one in still air, even on a night that's only moderately cold.

Where should I look?

Rim joists and sill plates in the basement, gaps where pipes pass through outside walls, crawl spaces, porches and additions, and sinks on outside walls facing the lake.

What fixes it?

Seal gaps with caulk or spray foam, insulate pipes with foam sleeves and close basement vents and windows for the winter. Sealing drafts often does more than insulation alone.

What about outdoor taps?

Disconnect hoses, close the inside valve and drain the tap before the first hard freeze.

What if the house will be empty?

Keep the heat on and have someone check it. For long absences, shut off the main and drain the lines.

What if a pipe freezes?

Open the tap, warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer and watch for leaks as it thaws. Never use a torch. See frozen pipe repair.

Does a space heater help?

A small heater in a cold basement corner or crawl space can help in a cold snap if used safely, well away from anything flammable. Insulating and sealing drafts is the lasting fix.

How do I know which walls face the wind?

After a windy night, feel along the baseboards and around pipes for cold air. Spots that feel noticeably colder are where pipes are most at risk.

More plumbing guides

• Does My Older Kingston Home Have Lead or Galvanized Pipes?
• Why Is There White Scale on My Taps and Kettle?
• What Plumbing Should a Kingston Landlord Check Between Tenants?
• How Do I Find and Test My Main Water Shut-Off?
• Should I Repair or Replace My Water Heater?