How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in an Alberta Winter (Homeowner's Checklist)

In Alberta, a deep cold snap doesn’t just mean a cold morning — it can mean a burst pipe and a flooded home. When water freezes it expands, and the pressure can split a pipe wide open. The good news: a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s the homeowner’s checklist we give our own customers across Morinville, St. Albert and Sturgeon County.

Why it matters: A single burst pipe can release hundreds of litres of water and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Prevention takes minutes; cleanup takes weeks.

Before the cold hits: your prevention checklist

Insulate vulnerable pipes

Focus on pipes in unheated or exterior areas — crawl spaces, garages, basements, and along outside walls. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and make a real difference.

Seal drafts

Cold air finds the gaps. Seal cracks and openings near where pipes run, especially around the foundation, rim joists, and where utilities enter the home.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

Before the first hard freeze, disconnect garden hoses, shut off the interior valve to outdoor faucets, and drain the line. A connected hose is a classic cause of a frozen, split outdoor tap.

Know where your main shut-off is

If a pipe ever bursts, shutting off the water fast is the single best thing you can do. Make sure everyone in the house knows where the main valve is and how to close it.

Keep the heat on

Even when you’re away, keep your furnace set to at least 15°C (59°F). A warm house protects your pipes — never fully shut the heat off in winter.

During an extreme cold snap

Let a faucet drip. A slow trickle on the coldest nights keeps water moving and relieves pressure.
Open cabinet doors. Let warm room air reach pipes under sinks, especially on exterior walls.
Keep garage doors closed if water lines run through the garage.
Don’t lower the thermostat at night during a severe freeze — consistent heat matters more than a small saving.

What to do if your pipes freeze

Keep the tap open. As you thaw the pipe, running water helps melt the ice.
Apply gentle heat. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater on the frozen section. Never use an open flame or torch.
Work from the tap toward the freeze. This lets melt water escape.
If a pipe has burst, shut off the main immediately and call a plumber.

If you can’t find the frozen section, can’t thaw it safely, or you’re dealing with a burst, don’t risk it — call a professional.

When to call a plumber

Call right away if a pipe has burst, if you suspect a freeze inside a wall, or if multiple fixtures have no water during a cold spell. The faster you act, the less damage you’ll face.

Rhino Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency service across Morinville, St. Albert and the Edmonton area. If you’re facing a frozen or burst pipe, call 780.939.4975 — we’ll help you stop the damage and get your water flowing again.

Want to be ready before winter? Save this checklist and book seasonal maintenance with us in the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what temperature do pipes freeze?

Pipes are at risk when temperatures drop below about -6°C (20°F), especially if they run through unheated spaces like crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls. In an Alberta cold snap, vulnerable pipes can freeze quickly.

Should I leave a tap dripping to prevent frozen pipes?

Yes — during extreme cold, letting a faucet drip slightly keeps water moving and relieves pressure, which greatly reduces the chance of a freeze and burst.

What should I do if a pipe is already frozen?

Shut off the water at the main if you suspect a burst, open the affected tap, and gently warm the pipe with a hair dryer or space heater — never an open flame. If you can't locate it or it has burst, call a plumber right away.