Saskatoon winters are no joke — and neither are frozen pipes. With temperatures regularly dipping well below freezing, your home’s plumbing is always at risk. But do you know just how frozen pipes can damage your home if left unchecked?
Spoiler alert: The damage can be expensive, messy, and dangerous.
Here’s what every Saskatoon homeowner should know about frozen pipes — and how to prevent a winter plumbing disaster.
❄️ Why Do Pipes Freeze in the First Place?
When the temperature drops below 0°C (32°F), exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze. Water inside those pipes turns to ice, which expands and puts intense pressure on the pipe walls.
Eventually? The pipe bursts, often without warning.
💥 The Real Damage Happens After the Thaw
Many homeowners think the freeze is the worst part. But the real destruction comes when the pipe thaws and water begins flowing again. If the pipe has cracked or burst, you could experience:
- Massive indoor flooding
- Ruined drywall, flooring, and insulation
- Mold growth within days
- Thousands of dollars in structural damage
One frozen pipe can cause damage to multiple rooms of your home.
🚽 Common Pipe Locations at Risk in Saskatoon Homes
In our cold prairie climate, these pipes are especially vulnerable:
- Outdoor hose bibs
- Basement water lines
- Pipes near exterior walls
- Uninsulated crawl spaces or attics
- Garage plumbing
Even indoor pipes can freeze if a cold draft or power outage hits at the wrong time.
🧯 How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Luckily, there are ways to protect your plumbing before it’s too late. Here’s what Pro Service Mechanical recommends:
- Insulate pipes in cold areas with foam sleeves or heat tape.
- Seal drafts near pipes with caulking or insulation.
- Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold spells.
- Keep interior temps above 15°C (even if you’re away).
- Shut off and drain outdoor taps before winter hits.
If you’re leaving town, consider having someone check your home regularly — or install a smart leak detector.
🛠️ What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you suspect a frozen pipe:
- Turn off the water supply immediately.
- Open the faucet connected to the pipe.
- Use a hair dryer or space heater to slowly thaw the pipe (never use an open flame).
- Call Pro Service Mechanical for emergency plumbing service if you spot a leak or can’t locate the freeze.
🧰 Emergency Plumbing Support in Saskatoon
When the worst happens, we’re here to help. Pro Service Mechanical offers emergency plumbing repairs throughout Saskatoon — including burst pipe repair, water damage prevention, and winterization services.
✅ Final Thoughts
Frozen pipes aren’t just a nuisance — they’re one of the most damaging winter plumbing issues a Saskatoon homeowner can face. Knowing how frozen pipes can damage your home and how to prevent it is key to saving money, time, and stress.
Stay proactive this winter. Book a plumbing inspection with Pro Service Mechanical and protect your home before the next deep freeze hits.
