Frozen pipe thawing and repair
Vancouver doesn't freeze often, which is exactly why so many homes here aren't built for it. When a cold snap does arrive, the pipes that fail are the ones in unheated crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls.
⚠️ Do not use an open flame. Blowtorches on frozen pipes cause house fires and are the single most common way a manageable problem becomes a catastrophic one.
If a pipe is frozen right now
1. Open the tap that pipe feeds. Running water, even a trickle, helps it thaw and relieves pressure. 2. Find your main shut-off and be ready to use it. A frozen pipe may already be split — you'll find out when it thaws. 3. Warm the area gently: space heater, hair dryer, heat lamp. Slowly. 4. Never a torch, never a heat gun at close range. 5. If you can't reach it, or the pipe is in a wall, call us.
Preventing it
Insulate pipes in the crawlspace, garage and exterior walls · Disconnect and drain outdoor hose bibs before the first frost · Keep the heat on at 15°C minimum if you're away · Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during a cold snap · Know where your shut-off is before you need it
What it costs
If the pipe has split, repair is quoted separately. Pricing
