When temperatures drop quickly in Nova Scotia, frozen pipes can happen fast—especially in older homes, homes with crawlspaces, or areas where plumbing runs along exterior walls.
Whether you heat with a heat pump, oil, or hot water baseboard or a combination, a few simple steps can help you avoid expensive water damage during a cold snap.
Quick Checklist to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Here’s my quick cold-weather checklist:
- Keep the heat ON in the home (even if you’re away)
- Heat pumps can slow down in extreme cold — make sure your backup heat (oil/electric) is turned on and working
- If you have hot water baseboard heat, confirm all zones are working properly
- Open cabinet doors under sinks (especially on outside walls) so warm air can reach pipes
- In high-risk areas, let faucets drip slowly to keep water moving
Heat Pump Homes — One Extra Reminder
If your home relies mainly on a heat pump, a sudden cold snap can make it harder for the system to keep up.
✅ The safest approach is to keep your temperature steady and ensure your backup heat source is ready so your home stays warm—especially overnight.
Leaving Home? Don’t Make These Mistakes
If you’re heading away during winter weather:
- Don’t set the heat too low
- Don’t shut off the heat completely
- Consider asking someone to check the home if you’ll be away overnight
Frozen pipes don’t only happen in vacant homes — they often happen in homes that are heated just slightly too low during extreme cold.
When to Call for Help
If you suspect pipes may be freezing:
- No water flow from one faucet
- Reduced water pressure
- Frost showing on a pipe
- Unusual cold spots near plumbing walls
⚠️ Acting early can prevent a burst pipe and major damage.
Stay warm and safe this winter ❄️
