5 Things You should do prepare for Emergency Plumbing Situations This Winter
Winter in the Greater Toronto Area can be harsh, and when temperatures drop, plumbing emergencies become a real threat. A burst pipe behind your drywall, a hot water tank failure, or clogged drains from more fats, oils, or grease poured down the kitchen sink aren’t just inconveniences - it can quickly turn into a costly disaster. Whether you’re in Toronto, Whitby, or Oshawa, preparing now for the weather change that winter brings will help prevent chaos and unnecessary repairs later.
Know Where your Main Water Valve is
Every homeowner should know where their main valve shutoff is located - this is your first line of defense in a plumbing emergency in the case of a burst pipe or hot water tank failure. If a pipe bursts, head directly to your main water shutoff valve and close it immediately. For most homes in the GTA, you will find your water shutoff valve in your basement, and if your basement is finished, it could be behind a panel or a door. Keep that area clear of objects (like boxes or equipment), because when time is of the essence, knowing where the main water valve is and closing it off as quickly as possible can prevent thousands of dollars of potential damage.
Practice Shutting Off the Main Valve with your Family
You cannot be home all the time, but someone you live with could be - that’s why it’s important that everyone in your home know where the main water valve is located in your house. Demonstrate to your family how to locate and close the valve in case of emergency, and practice this once a year so it is the first thing that comes to mind when an emergency does happen.
Be Prepared with an Emergency Cleanup Kit
Even with preventive steps, accidents happen - and that’s why it’s really helpful to have an emergency cleanup kit ready: towels, buckets, mops, wrench, and a box fan for drying out the area. Have all of these items in a rubber container on an elevated shelf (emergency supplies that are wet are not very useful), and make sure your family knows where this emertgency cleanup kit is located. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier to rapidly dry if dampness is more widespread or you have a large number of items that need airing out. In an emergency, these supplies will help you minimize damage while you wait for professional help to arrive.
Have a Trusted Plumber’s Contact Info Handy for Emergencies
If you’re facing a true plumbing emergency, the last thing you want is to waste time searching for a plumber. Having a reliable, 24/7 plumbing service on speed dial is essential, especially in the dead of winter. Vetting plumbers on Google is the last thing you would want to do when you are staring at a miniature Niagara Falls in your basement. If you live in the GTA, get the details of a licensed and trusted plumber in Whitby, Oshawa, Pickering, Ajax, or Toronto and keep their information handy on your fridge. Many plumbers have fridge magnets, and will be more than happy to send you one. Just ask!
Maintenance and Inspection can Prevent Plumbing Emergencies from Occurring
Preparation doesn’t replace things you can do to prevent plumbing emergencies from happening in the first place - and prevention is almost always less expensive than repair. Maintaining your plumbing in the fall and inspecting your property after a heavy rainfall are two things you can routinely do to prevent emergencies from happening.
Prepare for winter plumbing emergencies for peace of mind
Preparing for a wintertime plumbing emergency isn’t the most fun, but the peace of mind you have knowing you’re ready for any situation is immeasurable. Know where your main water valve cutoff is, practice water shutoff procedures with your family, have an emergency cleanup kit ready, and have the contact details of a professional on hand so you don’t have to frantically search for one when emergencies occur. Most importantly, prevent winter plumbing emergencies from occuring with routine maintenance and inspection. Plumbing emergencies are just that: emergencies. They don’t happen often, but when it does, it pays to be prepared.