When the deep chill of a Saskatoon winter hits, the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a burst or frozen pipe. Temperatures in Saskatchewan can easily dip below -30°C, putting your home’s plumbing system at serious risk. Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience—they can cause thousands of dollars in water damage if they burst.
Fortunately, with some preparation and the right preventive steps, you can keep your pipes safe and your water flowing all season long. Here’s what you need to know to protect your home this winter.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Problem
When water freezes, it expands by roughly 9%. That expansion creates intense pressure inside your plumbing lines—especially in exposed or poorly insulated areas. The result? Pipes can crack, split, or even burst, leading to leaks once the ice thaws.
Some of the most common areas for frozen pipes in Saskatoon homes include:
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Crawl spaces and basements
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Garages and unheated utility rooms
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Pipes running along exterior walls or near foundation vents
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Kitchen and bathroom sinks located on outside walls
A single frozen pipe can cause extensive damage, from soaked drywall to flooded floors. That’s why prevention is key.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipe insulation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent freezing. Any pipe that runs through an unheated area should be wrapped with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape.
Focus on:
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Pipes in your basement, crawl space, and attic
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Water lines near exterior walls
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Outdoor hose bibs and garage water lines
You can find pre-slit foam insulation at most hardware stores in Saskatoon. Just cut it to size, wrap it around the pipe, and seal it with duct tape or zip ties for a snug fit.
Pro Tip: For areas prone to extreme cold, consider using thermostatically controlled heat cables. These automatically turn on when the temperature drops near freezing.
2. Locate and Use Your Main Shut-Off Valve
Every homeowner should know where their main water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the main supply immediately can prevent major flooding.
In most Saskatoon homes, the main shut-off is found:
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Near where the water line enters the house (often in the basement)
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Along an exterior wall close to the foundation
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Beside the water meter (for city water connections)
Take a moment to locate it now—before it’s an emergency. If you’re heading out of town for the winter, it’s a good idea to shut off your main water valve and drain your pipes to prevent freezing while you’re away.
3. Keep the Heat On (Even When You’re Away)
During Saskatoon’s coldest months, even a few hours without heat can lead to frozen pipes. Always maintain an indoor temperature of at least 15°C (60°F), even if you’re not home.
Here’s how to keep things safe:
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Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to let warm air circulate
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Close garage doors to trap heat
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Keep basement and utility room doors open to maintain even warmth
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Set up a smart thermostat to monitor home temperature remotely
If you own a seasonal property or leave for extended periods, have a friend or neighbour check in occasionally—or call Perfection Plumbing to winterize your home properly.
4. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses and Faucets
Outdoor plumbing fixtures are often the first to freeze. Before temperatures dip below zero:
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Disconnect garden hoses and store them indoors.
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Shut off the interior valve that supplies your outdoor faucet (if available).
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Drain any remaining water from the outside tap.
If your home has a frost-free hose bib, it’s still a good idea to disconnect hoses since trapped water can cause damage behind the wall.
Frozen exterior faucets can burst and leak into your home’s foundation—something no homeowner wants to discover in the spring.
5. Watch for Warning Signs of Freezing
Even with precautions, it’s smart to stay alert for early warning signs that your pipes may be freezing:
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Slow or no water flow from a faucet
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Frost forming on exposed pipes
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Strange clanking or banging sounds
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Unusually cold areas in walls or cabinets
If you suspect a frozen pipe, act fast:
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Turn off the main water supply.
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Open nearby faucets to relieve pressure.
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Gently warm the affected pipe using a hair dryer or space heater (never an open flame).
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If you can’t find or thaw the frozen section, call a licensed Saskatoon plumber immediately.
Perfection Plumbing’s team can locate and safely thaw frozen pipes before they burst—saving you from costly repairs.
6. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
One of the best ways to avoid frozen pipes is to have your plumbing system inspected by a professional before winter arrives. An experienced Saskatoon plumbing company like Perfection Plumbing can:
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Identify vulnerable pipes or problem areas
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Check your insulation and shut-off valves
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Recommend upgrades like heat cables or backflow preventers
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Winterize your entire system if you’ll be away
A quick inspection in the fall can prevent thousands of dollars in damage later on.
Stay Warm, Stay Protected with Perfection Plumbing
At Perfection Plumbing, we’ve helped Saskatoon homeowners stay safe and dry through even the coldest winters. Our experienced technicians specialize in frozen pipe prevention, emergency repairs, and home winterization services.
Don’t wait until you’re dealing with a frozen or burst pipe—take action today to protect your home and peace of mind.
📞 Call Perfection Plumbing at (306) 652-9556 or visit perfectionplumbing.ca to schedule your frozen pipe prevention service.
Perfection Plumbing — “The Plumber in Your Neighbourhood!”