Every winter, thousands of Ottawa homeowners turn on a tap and get nothing — or worse, hear a sudden rush of water from inside a wall. Frozen and burst pipes are one of the most common and costly plumbing emergencies in Ottawa, where temperatures regularly plunge below -20°C for days at a time. The City of Ottawa issues seasonal “Run Water” advisories to thousands of at-risk properties each year, but many homeowners don’t act until it’s too late.

At Orleans Plumbing & Drains Service Inc., we’ve helped Ottawa families through some of the worst winter plumbing emergencies for over 30 years. This guide will walk you through the warning signs of frozen pipes, exactly what to do before we arrive, and how to protect your home going forward.

❄️ Ottawa Winter Fact

Approximately 2,000 homes and businesses in Ottawa have water pipes shallow enough to be vulnerable to freezing each winter. The City of Ottawa uses frost depth modeling from Environment Canada data to issue warnings — but professional pipe insulation is your best defence.

5 Warning Signs Your Pipes Are Freezing Right Now

Frozen pipes rarely give a lot of warning, but these are the signs to watch for — especially during Ottawa cold snaps below -15°C:

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No Water or Weak Flow

You turn on a tap and nothing comes out, or pressure is suddenly very low. Ice is likely blocking the line.

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Frost on Visible Pipes

You can see ice or condensation on pipes in your basement, crawl space, or under sinks. Act immediately.

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Unusual Odours from Drains

Freezing disrupts wastewater flow, which can push sewer gases back up through drains and floor traps.

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Gurgling or Whistling Sounds

Ice restricting water movement creates unusual noises in the plumbing system — a red flag in winter.

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Bulging or Cracked Pipes

If you can see or feel that a pipe has visibly deformed, the pressure from ice expansion may have already caused damage.

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Unexpected Water on Floors

Water pooling in your basement or near walls is a serious sign that a pipe may have already burst.

Noticed any of these signs? Don’t wait — frozen pipes can burst within hours.

Call Our Emergency Team Now — Available 24/7

What To Do Immediately If Your Pipes Freeze

If you suspect your pipes are frozen, follow these steps before calling us so we can help you minimize damage:

  1. 1
    Locate and turn off your main water shut-off valve This is usually in your basement near the front wall. Shutting it off prevents flooding if a pipe bursts while frozen.
  2. 2
    Open the cold water tap nearest to the frozen area This relieves pressure and gives melting ice somewhere to flow as the pipe thaws — reducing the risk of a burst.
  3. 3
    Apply gentle heat if accessible — never open flame A hair dryer or electric heating pad on accessible pipes is safe. Never use a propane torch — it’s a fire hazard and can damage pipes.
  4. 4
    Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks. This alone can prevent minor freezing.
  5. 5
    Call Orleans Plumbing immediately at (613) 424-6737 Our licensed team responds 24/7 for emergency frozen and burst pipe repairs across Ottawa and surrounding areas.

Which Pipes in Ottawa Homes Are Most at Risk?

Ottawa’s housing stock includes a large number of pre-1970s homes where plumbing was installed without the insulation standards we use today. The following are the highest-risk locations in most Ottawa homes:

  • Pipes running through unheated basements, crawl spaces, and attics
  • Pipes along exterior walls where cold air infiltrates
  • Pipes in unheated garages or attached workshops
  • Outdoor faucets and hose bibs not properly shut off and drained
  • Pipes in newer home additions that may lack adequate insulation
  • Water service lines running underground from the street to your home

If your home has received a letter or advisory from the City of Ottawa about running your water continuously during winter, your service line is in the high-risk group. This is not something to ignore — call us to discuss permanent insulation and pipe protection solutions.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Ottawa — A Homeowner Checklist

  • ✅ Keep your indoor thermostat at or above 15°C — even when away or on vacation
  • ✅ Wrap foam pipe insulation around pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics
  • ✅ Seal gaps in walls, foundations, and around utility entries where cold air enters
  • ✅ Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before December — every year
  • ✅ Know where your main water shut-off valve is and ensure it works
  • ✅ If your home is at risk, run a thin trickle of cold water from exterior-wall faucets during deep freezes
  • ✅ Book an annual pre-winter plumbing inspection with a licensed Ottawa plumber
  • ✅ Ask your plumber about heat cable wraps for vulnerable pipe sections

Why Ottawa Homeowners Trust Orleans Plumbing for Frozen Pipe Repairs

With over 30 years of experience serving Ottawa and the surrounding communities, our team has seen — and fixed — every type of winter plumbing emergency. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response: We answer the phone at 2 AM during a deep freeze. Francois and the team are always on call.
  • Upfront, Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees, no surprises. We discuss pricing before we start any work.
  • Locally Owned: We’re your neighbours. We serve Orleans, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Gloucester, Rockland, and all of Ottawa.
  • Licensed and Insured: Every job meets Ontario Building Code standards — your protection matters to us.
  • We Fix the Root Cause: We don’t just thaw your pipes — we find the vulnerabilities and recommend permanent insulation and protection solutions.

Don’t wait for a burst pipe to flood your basement. Ottawa winters are unforgiving — we’re not.

Book Emergency Service — Same Day Available

Frequently Asked Questions — Frozen Pipes Ottawa

At what temperature do pipes freeze in Ottawa?
Pipes begin to freeze when temperatures reach 0°C or below. Ottawa regularly experiences nights at -20°C to -30°C from December through February, putting improperly insulated pipes at extreme risk. Pipes in unheated areas are most vulnerable.
What happens if I ignore frozen pipes?
A frozen pipe that isn’t addressed can burst within hours. When water freezes, it expands with tremendous force — enough to crack copper and PVC pipes. A burst pipe can release hundreds of litres of water into your home, causing damage to flooring, drywall, insulation, and creating conditions for mould growth. The average repair cost in Ottawa ranges from hundreds to over $1,500 — not counting water damage remediation.
Does home insurance cover frozen pipe damage in Ottawa?
Many home insurance policies cover sudden water damage from burst pipes — but coverage often depends on whether the homeowner took reasonable preventative steps. Keeping your thermostat at an appropriate temperature and maintaining your property are often requirements. Check with your insurer and keep records of any maintenance done.
Does Orleans Plumbing offer same-day frozen pipe repair?
Yes. Orleans Plumbing & Drains Service Inc. is available 24/7 for emergency frozen and burst pipe repairs throughout Ottawa, Orleans, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Gloucester, and Rockland. Call (613) 424-6737 any time — day or night.
How do I prevent my pipes from freezing again next winter?
The most effective long-term solutions are proper pipe insulation, sealing cold air entry points, and maintaining indoor temperatures above 15°C. Our team can assess your home’s vulnerable areas and install professional insulation, heat cables, and protective measures that meet Ottawa’s climate demands.
FH

Francois Hetherington — Licensed Plumber & Business Owner

With over 30 years of experience serving Ottawa homeowners and businesses, Francois leads the Orleans Plumbing team with a commitment to quality workmanship, transparent pricing, and rapid emergency response. He has personally responded to hundreds of frozen pipe emergencies across Ottawa’s coldest winters.