When temperatures drop, water inside exposed or poorly protected plumbing can freeze — putting the pipe at risk of splitting and leaking as conditions change.
John The Plumber & Water Heater Experts provides frozen pipe service throughout Ottawa, including Nepean. Our plumbers can assess the affected plumbing, determine what you're dealing with and recommend the appropriate next step.
If water is escaping from a split or burst pipe, stop the water supply if it is safe to do so and avoid continuing to use the affected plumbing.
A frozen pipe doesn't always start with water pouring into the room. Sometimes the first sign is reduced water flow, a faucet that stops working or plumbing that has been exposed to freezing temperatures.
Once the affected plumbing begins to thaw, a split or damaged section of pipe may start leaking. These examples show the kinds of frozen-pipe and outdoor-faucet problems our plumbing team works with.
BEFORE & AFTER
Freezing water can put significant pressure on plumbing. If a pipe splits, the damage may not become obvious until the frozen section begins to thaw and water starts moving again.
BEFORE & AFTER
Outdoor faucets and the plumbing connected to them can be vulnerable to freezing during an Ottawa winter.
BEFORE & AFTER
When freezing affects an outdoor water line, the damaged plumbing may need to be repaired or replaced before it can be used normally again.
If ice is blocking the pipe, damage can remain hidden until temperatures rise or the pipe begins to thaw. That's one reason a frozen water line should be taken seriously even when you don't see an active leak yet.
When water freezes inside a pipe, it can create a blockage. Pressure can build in the plumbing around that blockage, placing stress on the pipe and its connections.
If the plumbing splits, the damage may remain hidden while the line is still frozen. Once the ice begins to thaw and water starts moving again, the damaged section can begin leaking.
Pipes in colder areas of the home or plumbing exposed to outdoor temperatures can be more vulnerable during periods of freezing weather.
As freezing progresses, ice can partially or completely block the pipe. At the faucet, you may notice reduced flow or no water at all.
A frozen blockage can contribute to pressure building elsewhere in the water line. The vulnerable point isn't always exactly where the visible ice is located.
The stress can damage the plumbing, creating an opening that may become a significant leak once normal water flow returns.
As the frozen section thaws, water can begin escaping through a split pipe or damaged connection. A problem that first looked like a frozen faucet can suddenly become an active plumbing leak.
A frozen blockage can affect pressure elsewhere in the plumbing. That's why finding the frozen section is only part of the job — the plumbing should also be checked for signs of damage.
If water is actively escaping, shut off the appropriate water supply if you can safely do so and arrange plumbing service.
If you turn on a faucet during cold weather and get little or no water, a frozen pipe may be the problem. What you do next matters — especially if the pipe has already been damaged.
Look for signs of a split pipe, dripping water or an active leak. Know where your main water shutoff is so you can stop the water quickly if a damaged pipe begins leaking as it thaws.
Leaving the faucet open can give water and steam somewhere to go as the frozen section begins to thaw and can help you tell when water flow starts returning.
Don't use a torch, propane heater, candle or other open flame to thaw plumbing. It creates a serious fire risk and can damage the pipe and surrounding materials.
If the frozen section is accessible and there is no sign of a burst pipe, gentle warmth may help it thaw gradually. The goal is controlled warming — not intense heat concentrated in one spot.
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Don't use electrical heating equipment where it could contact water, wet surfaces or an active plumbing leak.
A pipe can be damaged without immediately leaking while it remains frozen. As water flow returns, watch the plumbing and surrounding area for dripping or escaping water.
Don't hit, bend or aggressively manipulate frozen plumbing in an attempt to break the ice loose. A frozen or already-damaged pipe can be vulnerable to additional damage.
If you can't locate the frozen section, the pipe is inaccessible, you suspect damage or you're uncomfortable trying to thaw it yourself, have a plumber assess the situation.
If you see dripping, pooling water or moisture appearing around the pipe after it thaws, don't assume the problem is over. The plumbing may have split and require repair.
Trying to thaw a frozen pipe with fire can turn a plumbing problem into a much more dangerous emergency. Use safer methods or call a plumber if you're unsure what to do.
A frozen pipe can interrupt your water supply, but the bigger concern is what may be happening inside the plumbing. A frozen section can place stress on the pipe, and damage may only become obvious once the ice begins to thaw.
Addressing the problem gives you an opportunity to restore water flow while checking the plumbing for damage.If freezing has damaged a pipe, water can begin escaping as the line thaws. Identifying the problem and any damaged plumbing can help limit the chance of a hidden split becoming a larger leak.
A frozen water line may leave a faucet or fixture with reduced flow or no water at all. Addressing the frozen section can help restore normal water service to the affected plumbing.
No visible leak doesn't necessarily mean the pipe is undamaged. Once water begins moving again, a split pipe or damaged connection may reveal itself.
If freezing has caused a pipe, fitting or connection to fail, our plumbers can identify the affected area and determine the appropriate repair.
Getting water moving again is important — but so is making sure the freeze hasn't left damaged plumbing behind.
A frozen pipe call isn't only about getting water moving again. We need to understand which part of the plumbing is affected and whether freezing has damaged the pipe or its connections.
John The Plumber & Water Heater Experts works through the problem step by step so we can determine the appropriate next move.
We start with what you're experiencing — no water, reduced flow, a frozen outdoor faucet, visible frost, a leak or another sign that freezing may have affected the plumbing.
We assess the affected water line and surrounding plumbing to determine where freezing appears to have occurred and what areas may need attention.
Where appropriate, the affected plumbing can be thawed in a controlled manner so water flow can be restored without using unsafe open-flame methods.
As water flow returns, we can check the affected plumbing for signs of splitting, leaking or damage that may have been hidden while the pipe was frozen.
If a pipe, fitting or connection has failed, we'll explain what we've found and determine the appropriate plumbing repair.
When a pipe freezes, you may not know whether you're dealing with a temporary blockage or plumbing that has already been damaged.
John The Plumber & Water Heater Experts has been serving Ottawa homeowners since 2006, including homes throughout Nepean. We focus on understanding the problem, explaining what we find and determining the appropriate next step.
Frozen plumbing can involve more than simply thawing a pipe. Our plumbing team can assess the affected water line and determine what work is appropriate.
Restoring water flow is only part of the story. We also consider whether the freezing has left a split, leak or other damaged plumbing behind.
We'll explain what we find and help you understand whether the plumbing simply needs attention at the frozen section or whether a repair is required.
We've spent years working in Ottawa homes and communities, including Nepean and surrounding areas.
Background-Checked Team We understand that inviting a plumber into your home requires trust.
Full-Service Plumbing If freezing reveals another plumbing problem, our team can help determine what needs attention.
Ottawa & Nepean Local plumbing service throughout Ottawa, including homes across Nepean.
No water, reduced flow, frozen outdoor plumbing or a pipe that has started leaking — tell us what you're seeing.
Frozen plumbing can start with something as simple as a leaking garage tap or an outdoor faucet — and turn into a much bigger concern when temperatures drop.
Here are two customer experiences involving frozen or freeze-damaged plumbing.
I had tried changing the washer on the tap in the garage and it worked for a while but ultimately the leak became persistent and was freezing up. As always I was able to count on John the plumber to show up inside of 24 hours to diagnose and repair the issue on the spot. This is what you get with them. They are prompt and will get you out of a bind quickly and nobody wants to risk a frozen pipe bursting. Matthew was very punctual and professional. Explained the problem, repair, and cost and that’s exactly what I paid. He did great work, took off his shoes, and the work area was spotless upon completion. I see a lot of comments on the cost but what you get here is essentially emergency level response, insured and guaranteed work, and they never let you down. Happy customer and well worth the price. Thank you!
We needed to have our backyard tap replaced after a frozen faucet break. We searched the Better Business Bureau site and chose the company John the Plumber. A phone call resulted in a quick appointment and while it had to be rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances, the company was in constant contact keeping us up to date. On the day of the appointment, Alex showed up right on the stroke of 08h00…honestly! He was neat, tidy and clean in appearance. Alex was friendly and professional, very enjoyable to interact with. He was very knowledgeable and efficient. The job was a little tricky given the awkwardness of the pipe location. Alex reviewed the situation, gave us his opinion re best approach, and quoted us a price for the work we agreed to.
In the end, the external tap and connecting tubing to the water supply were replaced quickly and the job site was left in good order. He showed me the original pieces where we were able to see the split in the faucet mechanism that had resulted in the leak.
Alex’s level of customer service was excellent and he and his work reflected well on John the Plumber company. I would not hesitate for a second to call this company again or recommend them to family and friends.
Tell us what you're seeing and we'll help determine what needs attention.
John The Plumber & Water Heater Experts provides frozen pipe and plumbing service throughout Ottawa, including Nepean and surrounding communities.
When winter temperatures affect your plumbing, our team can assess the frozen section, check for damage and determine what needs to happen next.
Ottawa winters can expose vulnerable plumbing in exterior walls, garages, basements, crawl spaces and around outdoor faucets. If a water line stops flowing during freezing weather, don't assume the problem ends when the ice thaws. A frozen pipe may also need to be checked for leaks or damage.
No water, reduced flow, a frozen outdoor faucet or a leak appearing as the pipe thaws? Our plumbing team can help assess the problem.
No water? A faucet stopped working during a cold snap? Worried a frozen pipe may have split? Here are answers to some of the questions Ottawa and Nepean homeowners commonly have when plumbing freezes.
Tap a question below to open the answer.
One of the most common signs is little or no water coming from a faucet during freezing weather. You may also notice reduced water flow, frost on accessible piping or a problem affecting only one part of the house.
A lack of water does not automatically prove that a pipe is frozen, so the affected plumbing should be assessed before assuming the cause.
Stop and consider where the affected plumbing is located and whether you can see any leaking or damage. If water is escaping, shut off the appropriate water supply if you can do so safely.
Avoid open flames or other unsafe heating methods. If you cannot locate the frozen section, cannot safely access it or are concerned the pipe may be damaged, contact a plumber.
Yes. Freezing can place significant pressure on plumbing and may contribute to a pipe, fitting or connection splitting or failing.
The damage is not always obvious while the pipe is still frozen. A leak may become noticeable when the ice thaws and water begins flowing again.
A frozen pipe may eventually thaw as temperatures rise, but waiting does not tell you whether the plumbing has been damaged.
If the pipe has split, thawing can reveal an active leak once water is able to move through the line again. That is why a suspected frozen pipe should not simply be forgotten once water flow returns.
No. Do not use a torch or other open flame on frozen plumbing. Open flames create a serious fire risk and can damage the pipe and surrounding materials.
If the frozen section cannot be safely addressed, contact a plumber rather than attempting an unsafe thawing method.
If water is escaping from a split or damaged pipe, shut off the affected water supply or the home's main water supply if you can safely do so. Move belongings away from the water where practical and arrange for plumbing service.
John The Plumber & Water Heater Experts also provides leak repair in Nepean and emergency plumbing service for urgent plumbing problems.
Plumbing can be more vulnerable to freezing when it is exposed to very cold temperatures or located in areas with inadequate heat or insulation. Pipes near exterior walls, garages, crawl spaces and outdoor plumbing can be particularly exposed to winter conditions.
The exact cause depends on the home and where the affected water line is located.
Yes. Outdoor faucets and the plumbing connected to them can be affected by freezing temperatures. Freeze damage may result in a split faucet, damaged connection or leaking pipe.
If the problem involves exterior plumbing, see our outdoor faucet services for more information.
Prevention depends on where the plumbing is located, but common steps include protecting vulnerable water lines from cold air, maintaining heat in areas containing plumbing and preparing outdoor plumbing for winter.
It is also useful to know where your main water shutoff is located before an emergency occurs.
Not necessarily. Restored water flow tells you that the blockage caused by ice has changed, but it does not confirm that the pipe, fitting or connection is undamaged.
Watch for dripping, moisture, water stains or other signs of a leak after the line thaws.
If freezing has damaged a pipe, fitting or connection, a plumber can assess the affected area and determine the appropriate repair. The work required depends on the location and extent of the damage.
Our Nepean plumbing services include repairs for plumbing problems throughout the home.
John The Plumber & Water Heater Experts provides frozen pipe and plumbing service throughout Ottawa, including Nepean and surrounding communities.
If you are dealing with no water, a frozen faucet or suspected freeze damage, you can call 613-518-6114 or contact our Nepean plumbing team .
Tell us what stopped working, what you're seeing and whether you've found any leaking. We'll help determine what needs attention.
