How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Calgary: Winter Plumbing Tips from Local Experts
- olhazelenskaa
- Nov 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Calgary winters are serious — a burst pipe can ruin a home and cost thousands to repair. In this guide our licensed, Red-Seal plumbers explain the practical steps homeowners in Calgary can take to prevent frozen pipes, what to check before cold weather hits, and when to call an emergency plumber. Follow these steps to keep your water flowing and avoid winter plumbing disasters.
Why pipes freeze in Calgary
Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop below freezing, especially in unheated or poorly insulated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, exterior walls, and narrow utility closets. Moving air and moisture can accelerate freezing — and once a pipe freezes, pressure can build and lead to a burst.
Top 10 practical steps to prevent frozen pipes:
Insulate exposed pipes
Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or wrap insulation tape around exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces and attics. Insulation is inexpensive and reduces heat loss.
Seal gaps and drafts
Find and seal gaps around service entries, vents and where plumbing enters exterior walls. Even small drafts can chill pipes.
Keep garage and crawlspace doors closed
Don’t leave exterior doors open during cold snaps. Keep these spaces reasonably warm and insulated.
Let faucets drip during extreme cold
A slow drip from a faucet relieves pressure build-up and helps keep water moving in the pipes — especially for pipes on exterior walls.
Open cabinet doors under sinks
Allow warmer room air to circulate around pipes.
Maintain thermostat settings day and night
Avoid large thermostat setbacks when you’re away — keep heating at a safe baseline temperature to prevent indoor temperatures from falling too low.
Winterize seasonal properties
For second homes, shut off and drain the water supply and have the system professionally winterized if the property will be unheated.
Replace risky piping
If you have old Poly B or damaged piping, consider replacement during a renovation — modern piping materials are far more resilient to freeze/thaw cycles.
Install heat tape or heat cables
For problem areas, electric heat tape (installed properly) can keep vulnerable pipes above freezing. Have a licensed plumber do the install.
Schedule preventive maintenance
Have a licensed plumber inspect your system each fall — catch weak fittings, corrosion, or inadequate insulation before a cold spell.
How to thaw a frozen pipe safely
If a pipe is frozen but not yet burst: locate the frozen section, open the nearest faucet, and apply gentle heat (hair dryer, heat lamp, or warm towels). Never use an open flame. If you cannot find the frozen area or if the pipe has burst or you smell gas (if gas appliances are nearby), turn off water at the house shutoff and call a licensed plumber right away.
When to call Integrity Plumbing
If you find a burst pipe, active leak, or can’t safely thaw a frozen section, call our 24/7 emergency team at 403-307-0760. We’ll respond fast, stop the leak, repair or replace damaged piping, and help prevent future freezes.
Local note for Calgary homeowners
Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles and older housing stock mean certain neighbourhoods are more at risk. If you live in an older Bungalow or a home with uninsulated exterior walls, take extra precautions — insulation and professional inspections pay for themselves.
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