To prevent frozen pipes on Vancouver Island, disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor taps, insulate pipes in unheated spaces, keep the house heated, and know where your main water shutoff is. The province advises setting the thermostat no lower than 12 degrees Celsius when you are away. If a pipe bursts, turn off the main valve and call a plumber.
Why do pipes freeze on the Island if winters are mild?
Because the pipes were never built for a hard freeze. Many Island homes have supply lines in exterior walls, crawlspaces, garages and outbuildings, and a short cold snap with a north wind is enough to freeze a line that never normally sees frost. The damage usually shows up when the pipe thaws and the split starts to leak.
Where should you check before the first cold snap?
| Where | What to do |
|---|---|
| Outdoor taps and hose bibs | Disconnect hoses and sprinklers, shut off the outside faucet, store the hoses |
| Crawlspace and unheated basement | Insulate exposed supply pipes, seal gaps that let cold air in |
| Garage, shed or workshop with a tap or laundry sink | Insulate the lines or drain them for the winter |
| Pipes in exterior walls, especially under sinks on outside walls | Keep the house heated, and open the cabinet doors on very cold nights |
| Irrigation lines | Shut off and drain the system |
| Water main and meter | Know where the shutoff is and that it turns |
The BC government's emergency management advice lists the same basics: keep the home warm if possible, turn off outside faucets and remove hoses and sprinklers, insulate exposed pipes in places such as attics and crawlspaces, and know how to shut off your water. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) adds pipe insulation and sealing drafts before cold weather arrives.
Should I replace my outdoor taps?
A frost-free hose bib has the valve seat further back inside the wall, so it is less likely to hold water at the cold end. It still freezes if a hose is left attached, because the hose holds water against the tap. We replace old taps as part of fixture installation if yours has failed or has no shutoff inside the house.
How do you winterize a cabin or a vacant house?
IBC says home insurance usually covers damage from a frozen and burst pipe if the pipes are in the heated part of the home and reasonable steps were taken to maintain heat. It also says most policies exclude frozen pipe damage if the home is vacant. If you will be away during the heating season, IBC advises keeping the heat on and having someone you trust check the home, or shutting off the main water supply and draining the pipes. Read your policy or call your broker for the exact terms before you leave.
What do you do if a pipe freezes but has not burst?
Open the nearest tap so water can flow once it thaws, and warm the area gently with the building heat. Do not use an open flame on a pipe. A frozen pipe that has split will leak the moment it thaws, so keep the main valve location in mind and check the area as it warms.
What if a pipe bursts?
- Turn off the main water valve. The BC government's reminder is "righty tighty".
- Open a tap or two on the lowest level to drain what is left.
- If water is near outlets or the panel, stay out of it and do not touch electrical equipment while standing in water.
- Photograph and film the damage before you clean up.
- Call your insurer. IBC says to contact your insurer's 24/7 claims line and document the damage.
- Call a plumber for the repair. Our emergency repair service and the first 10 minutes checklist cover what to do while you wait.
Is it a good time to look at older pipes?
If a freeze exposes a weak spot, it is a good moment to look at what is in your walls. Homes with poly-B or galvanized lines are covered in poly-B replacement and galvanized and cast iron pipe. If a heater or water tank failed in the cold, our water heater failure signs will help. For a quote on insulation, taps or a repair, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I leave the house at when I am away?
The BC government advises setting the thermostat no lower than 12 degrees Celsius when you are away.
Does home insurance cover a burst pipe?
IBC says standard policies usually cover resulting damage when the pipes are in the heated part of the home and reasonable steps were taken to keep it heated. Most policies exclude it if the home is vacant. Check your own policy.
Does insulation alone protect a pipe?
No. Insulation slows heat loss but does not add heat. The province and IBC both stress keeping the home heated and insulating exposed pipes together, and shutting the water off and draining the system if the home will sit empty.
How do I shut off the water?
Turn the main valve clockwise. The BC government's advice is "righty tighty". Find it now rather than during a leak.
Who pays for the furnace if a breakdown freezes pipes?
IBC says the water damage may be covered, but not the cost of repairing or replacing the furnace or heat pump itself, which is treated as a maintenance matter.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026. Rebates, codes and prices change; confirm with the program or Technical Safety BC before you rely on them.