During the irregular freeze-thaw cycles over the seasons in Edmonton and Alberta, frozen pipes pose a significant concern. With winter temperatures dropping down to as low as -40°C in Edmonton, water inside your home’s piping system can freeze, leading to excess pressure buildup and potential water line breaks or pipe bursts.

Surrounding frost and intermittent cold wind are common elements of the weather that can place your water lines in a vulnerable position. Learn how you can spot signs of a frozen pipe and ways to address them.

Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen

By identifying frozen pipes early on, you can save on costly damage to your property down the road. Recognizing when to call an experienced water services provider is key to maintaining the lifespan of your plumbing.

Low Water Pressure
If you notice low water pressure, trickling, or that water stops running from your taps, showerheads, or fixtures, then your water line may be frozen.

Slow Drainage
Notice slow flushing or clogging when it comes to your toilets, sinks, or tubs? Icy pipes disrupt water flow and can interfere with proper drainage.

Odours from Fixtures
An indication of frozen pipes can also be strange smells coming from water fixtures, like your faucet or drains. Debris or food waste can accumulate when a blockage occurs in a section of your pipe.

Soggy Yard
Puddles, wet patches, or areas of faster-growing grass in your yard can indicate a leakage from your underground water system, which typically requires the services of a specialized water services provider.

Frost on Pipes
Conduct an inspection of exposed pipes, such as in the basement, outdoor, or garage areas. If you see visible condensation or frost, then it means that your pipes are at risk of freezing.

Bulging Pipes
Water expands during the freezing process, increasing pressure within the pipes. As a result, pipes can bulge and are in danger of rupturing or bursting.

Unusual Noises
Strange sounds coming from pipes, such as banging or gurgling, can indicate the presence of thawing ice or trapped air.

How to Take Care of Frozen Pipes

Early intervention is critical to preserving the integrity of your water line and plumbing system. Leaving signs of frozen pipes ignored can make your pipes more susceptible in the future. To avoid pipe bursts and costly property damage, some tips to keep in mind include:

Avoid Dangerous Repairs
Avoid DIY repairs using hair dryers, open flame, or unsuitable heating elements.

Insulate Water Lines
Insulate the exterior of your water lines with heat tape or warm towels.

Maintain Indoor Temperature
Maintain a consistent indoor temperature (around 20-25°C) and avoid temperatures reaching below 13°C.

Warm Up Colder Areas
Promote warm air near pipes by keeping cabinets, cupboards, or closet doors open.

Proper Sealing
Prevent cold air from entering your home by ensuring that windows, doors, or cracks caused by settling insulation are sealed.

Preparing for Winter

The intermittent freeze-thaw cycles in Edmonton can place stress on household plumbing. As ice thaws, it adds pressure and pushes frozen water in the pipes, overburdening the system. If you’re a property owner, it’s essential to consider insulation early in the fall season.

To mitigate the risks of emergencies, perform regular inspections. Steps could include checking your home for cold spots, caulking off areas with improper sealing, and allowing water to drip during extreme winter days.

Strathcona Excavating for Emergency Water Line Services

For peace of mind, it is essential to call a professional Edmonton water services contractor for proper thawing, repair, and installation of your water line. At Strathcona Excavating, we provide 24/7 emergency water/sewer line repair and replacement services for frozen burst pipes in neighbourhoods throughout Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Ardrossan, and the surrounding areas.

Do you have a muddy yard, or wondering if your water line is frozen? Learn more about our inspection services by calling us at 780.416.9000 or by contacting our team online. We repair major water line bursts, including the required excavation work, to ensure that your plumbing is properly connected to the city’s infrastructure.