Plumbing insights
How to Prevent Winter Pipe Bursts in Montreal
January 5, 20255 minMarc-Andre Gauthier
Montreal winters challenge every plumbing system. When temperatures dive below -20 C, exposed lines and poorly insulated walls can freeze fast. Preventing pipe bursts protects your basement, keeps tenants happy, and saves thousands in emergency repairs.
Winter pipe protection checklist
- Seal cracks and rim joists around exterior walls.
- Insulate supply lines in garages, crawl spaces, and mechanical rooms.
- Verify that hose bibs are drained and outdoor shut-offs are closed.
- Confirm your backwater valve and sump pump are operational.
- Label the main shut-off so anyone in the building can act quickly.
Bilingual support: Deboucherie Montreal Plumbing can complete this checklist in French or English and leave a report for building owners or condo boards.
Focus on the high-risk zones
- Unheated areas: Use foam sleeves or heat tape rated for Canadian winters on pipes in garages or crawl spaces. Pay close attention to copper lines near foundation vents.
- Exterior walls of multiplexes: Dense insulation plus air sealing stop drafts that trigger freezing.
- Shared laundry rooms: Supply lines tucked behind stacked machines often freeze because they sit against uninsulated walls.
Keep water moving and warm
- Trickle strategy: During extreme cold warnings, open taps slightly on fixtures served by vulnerable pipes. Moving water relieves pressure if ice forms.
- Cabinet doors open: Let warm air circulate around kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls.
- Thermostat discipline: Avoid drastic nighttime setbacks so walls stay above freezing.
Temperature-based action plan
| Outdoor temperature | Actions to take |
|---|---|
| -10 C to -19 C | Confirm valves are open, run a brief trickle overnight in exposed zones. |
| -20 C to -29 C | Open cabinets, add space heaters (on GFCI) in problem rooms, schedule a remote sensor check. |
| -30 C and below | Maintain continuous trickles, pause dishwasher and washing-machine cycles overnight, monitor for slow drains or frost panels. |
Schedule a preventive plumbing inspection
Our bilingual plumbers check insulation, test shut-off valves, and verify your hot-water recirculation system. We provide a prioritized action list so you can plan upgrades before the next cold snap.
Need help winterizing your plumbing? Book a preventive visit or call us at 514-561-8347.