Winter in Vancouver may not bring the extreme cold seen in other parts of Canada, but freezing temperatures still pose a significant risk to your plumbing system. Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs, water damage, and a lot of stress. Preparing your waterlines for winter is crucial to prevent these issues and ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly throughout the colder months.
Here’s everything you need to know about protecting your waterlines in Vancouver’s winter climate, including tips on hose bibs, barrel depth, insulation, and blow-out systems.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem
When water freezes, it expands. This expansion can cause your pipes to crack or burst, leading to leaks and water damage. Even a small crack in a pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home or yard, resulting in expensive repairs.
1. Winterizing Hose Bibs
Hose bibs are one of the most vulnerable parts of your plumbing system during winter. Without proper preparation, water left in the pipes connected to your outdoor hose bib can freeze, causing the pipe to expand and burst.
Steps to Protect Your Hose Bibs:
- Disconnect Your Hoses: Always remove garden hoses before temperatures drop. Leaving hoses attached can trap water in the pipes.
- Drain the Hose Bib: Turn off the interior shut-off valve connected to the hose bib and open the exterior valve to let any remaining water drain out. Note: Not all homes have interior shut-off valves for their hose bibs. If yours is missing, contact us to install one for added winter protection.
- Use Insulated Covers: Install hose bib covers to provide extra insulation against freezing temperatures. These are inexpensive and easy to use.
2. Burial Depth and Installation to Code
In Vancouver, waterlines must be installed at least two feet below grade to comply with building codes and protect against freezing temperatures. If your waterlines are shallow, they are at a much higher risk of freezing during a cold snap.
What You Can Do:
- Check Your Waterline Depth: If you’re unsure about the depth of your exterior waterlines, consult a professional plumber to assess their installation.
- Reinstall Shallow Lines: If your waterlines are not buried deep enough, consider having them reinstalled to meet the required depth. While this is an investment, it ensures long-term protection from freezing. At the same time, upgrading your waterline can provide better flow rates, increased volume, and a longer lifespan for your plumbing system.
3. Insulate Exterior Waterlines
Exterior waterlines exposed to cold air are highly susceptible to freezing. Proper insulation is essential to maintain water flow and prevent damage.
How to Insulate Exterior Waterlines:
- Within the Barrier Envelope: Any exterior waterlines should be insulated within the home’s barrier envelope (the layer that separates the interior from the exterior environment). This adds an extra layer of protection against freezing temperatures.
- Use Heat Trace and Pipe Insulation: Foam pipe insulation sleeves combined with heat trace cables offer optimal protection against freezing. Heat trace cables provide consistent warmth to prevent freezing, while the insulation retains the heat for better efficiency.
- Seal Gaps: Ensure there are no drafts or openings where cold air can reach your pipes.
4. Blow-Out System Prep
For properties with irrigation systems or exterior plumbing not in use during winter, a blow-out system is essential to prevent freezing. This process removes all water from the pipes, ensuring nothing is left to freeze.
Steps for Blow-Out Prep:
- Shut Off the Water Supply: Turn off the main valve supplying water to the system.
- Drain the System: Open all valves and let any remaining water drain out.
- Use Compressed Air: A professional plumber can use compressed air to blow out any water still sitting in the pipes. This ensures the system is completely dry.
- Close All Valves: Once the system is drained, close all valves to prevent debris or cold air from entering.
5. General Tips for Winterizing Your Waterlines
- Keep Your Home Warm: Ensure your thermostat is set to a minimum of 12-15°C, even if you’re away, to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Let Faucets Drip: Allowing faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip slowly can keep water moving and reduce the chance of freezing.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect your plumbing system for leaks before winter. Even small leaks can increase the risk of frozen pipes.
- Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is: In case of a burst pipe, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located can help you minimize damage.
Why Choose Plumbhartt for Winter Plumbing Prep?
At Plumbhartt, we understand Vancouver’s unique climate and the challenges it presents to homeowners. Our licensed plumbers specialize in winterizing waterlines, ensuring they are properly insulated, installed to code, and ready to withstand freezing temperatures.
What We Offer:
- Professional assessment and winterization of your plumbing system
- Insulation and barrier envelope upgrades for exterior waterlines
- Hose bib draining and protection
- Blow-out system preparation for irrigation and outdoor plumbing
Don’t Wait—Prep Your Pipes Today
Freezing temperatures can strike suddenly, even in Vancouver. Taking proactive steps now can save you from costly repairs and water damage later. Whether you need help winterizing your hose bibs, assessing your waterline depth, or preparing your irrigation system for winter, Plumbhartt is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your winter plumbing service and ensure your home is protected this winter. Book Online Here!