A hard freeze that settles in for several days can put real strain on plumbing and outdoor fixtures that were not properly prepared for winter, and burst pipes rank among the most disruptive and expensive cold-weather problems a homeowner can face.
Outdoor hose bibs and any exposed exterior plumbing are the most vulnerable points on a typical home. Disconnecting and draining garden hoses before the first hard freeze, then shutting off interior valves feeding exterior faucets if your home has them, removes most of the risk. Insulated faucet covers add another layer of protection for the coldest stretches of the season.
Interior pipes running through unheated spaces, like a garage, crawl space, or exterior wall, are also at risk during extended deep freezes. Wrapping exposed pipes in these areas with foam insulation before winter sets in is a cheap and effective way to prevent freezing. During an especially severe cold snap, letting faucets drip slightly can keep water moving through pipes and reduce freeze risk further.
Outdoor fixtures beyond plumbing deserve attention too. Irrigation systems should be fully drained and winterized before the first freeze, and any decorative water features should be shut down and drained rather than left running into freezing temperatures.
Why London Winters Are Hard on Plumbing
London sees repeated freeze-thaw cycles through the winter, along with stretches of deep cold when lake-effect systems move in off Lake Huron. Water that freezes inside a pipe expands, and the damage often only shows up when the thaw arrives and the split starts to leak. That is why prevention before the first deep freeze matters far more than reacting after the fact.
A Quick Pre-Winter Checklist
- Disconnect, drain and store garden hoses.
- Shut off and drain the interior valves that feed outdoor taps, if your home has them.
- Fit insulated covers on outdoor faucets.
- Wrap exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces and along exterior walls with foam insulation.
- Drain and winterize irrigation lines and any water features.
- Find your main water shut-off now, so you can close it quickly if a pipe ever bursts.
What to Do During a Deep Freeze
When an extended cold snap is forecast, open the cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warmer room air can reach the pipes, keep the thermostat steady overnight instead of turning it way down, and let a faucet on a vulnerable line drip slightly. If a tap only produces a trickle, that line may already be partly frozen. Turn off the water to it and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, never an open flame.
Snow, Ice and Your Outdoor Fixtures
Snow piles and ice can hide outdoor fixtures, so it helps to know where everything sits before the season starts. Hose bibs, cleanouts, drains and low lighting near the driveway are easy to bury. On seasonal properties, Thames Valley Snow marks edges, steps and drains before the season, so crews know what sits under the snow. Clear drains also give meltwater somewhere to go, which cuts down on refreeze across walkways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I leave the heat on if I travel in winter?
Yes. Keep the heat at a moderate setting while you are away and ask someone to check the house during long cold snaps. A burst pipe in an empty home can run for days before anyone notices.
Do frost-free outdoor faucets still need attention?
Yes. Frost-free faucets are designed to resist freezing, but the hose still needs to come off. A hose left attached traps water in the valve and can cause it to split.
Once your plumbing is ready for winter, make the snow side easy too. Thames Valley Snow clears driveways automatically for every snowfall of 5 cm or more from December 1 to March 31, with a timestamped photo after every visit. Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702, and see our residential snow removal and walkway and steps options.
What's included… and what's extra
A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.
Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.
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