Jeez, was it ever cold last winter? Remember when the Thompsons down on Lakeshore Drive had those pipes burst? Poor Dave was up to his eyeballs in water damage for weeks. Bet he wishes he’d prepped better before that cold snap hit -40°C!
Anyone who’s survived a few Northern Ontario winters knows our homes take a beating. The trick isn’t just surviving—it’s staying ahead of trouble, especially regarding your pipes. Stocking up on Northern Ontario plumbing supplies isn’t something to leave until the snow flies.
Savvy homeowners are getting ready while everyone else is still puttering around the Northern Ontario garden centre, picking out their fall mums. There’s nothing wrong with pretty flowers, mind you, but they won’t help much when your bathroom pipes freeze solid in January!
What You’ll Need Before the Deep Freeze
Listen, nobody wants that midnight panic when the water stops running. I’ve seen too many folks scrambling after the fact. Grab these basics next time you’re at the hardware store:
- Foam pipe insulation sleeves (get extra—you always need more than you think)
- Heat tape for those spots where the wind whips through
- Outdoor faucet covers (the cheap ones work fine if you remember to put them on!)
- A decent tube of silicone caulk for those drafty spots around pipe entries
My buddy Mike, who works in construction, swears by those foam insulation pouches for the vulnerable spots in crawl spaces. Says they’re worth every penny come January.
Stuff Most Folks Forget About
Grandpa always said, “Know where your shutoffs are or pay the price.” Ain’t that the truth? Take an hour this weekend to:
- Find and tag every water shutoff valve in your place
- Check if your basement pipes need extra wrapping
- Clear those gutters so ice dams don’t back up into your soffit (where pipes often run)
- Give those outside spigots a final drain before the first hard freeze
Last week, we had a customer who learned this lesson the hard way. His cottage pipes froze while he was in Florida. He came back to a skating rink in the living room and a $15,000 repair bill!
When Things Go Sideways
Sometimes trouble finds you anyway. Have these on hand just in case:
- Pipe repair clamps (the rubber ones with metal bands work best)
- That plumber’s epoxy putty that hardens underwater (lifesaver!)
- A couple of water alarm sensors for spots you’re worried about
Talked to Lou down at Walker’s Plumbing yesterday. He says they’re already getting calls about winterizing. It’s the same story every year—folks with unheated garages where laundry hookups freeze or pipes running outside walls without enough insulation.
Those weekend places take the worst hits. If you’ve got a camp or cottage, think about one of those smart thermostats that alerts your phone when temperatures drop too low. Cheaper than replacing your plumbing and floors!
Tell you what—our weather ain’t getting any milder. A single afternoon of winterizing could save you thousands in repairs. Don’t be like Dave Thompson, who is still finding water damage in his walls come April.
Grab what you need now while supplies are good. Winter won’t wait, and neither should you.
Featured Image Source: https://images.pexels.com/photos/67184/pexels-photo-67184.jpeg