How to Protect Your Pipes While You’re Away This Winter

Simple Steps to Avoid Frozen (and Burst) Pipes During Vacation

Winter vacations are meant to be relaxing—not stressful. But when temperatures drop, leaving your home unattended can put your plumbing at risk. Frozen or burst pipes can cause serious damage, especially if no one’s home to catch the problem early.

Before you head out of town, take these simple precautions to keep your pipes safe while you’re away:

1. Leave the Heat On

Even if you’re gone for a few days, don’t turn the heat off completely. Set your thermostat no lower than 15–16°C to keep warm air circulating through your home and prevent pipes from freezing—especially those near exterior walls, basements, or crawl spaces.

2. Have Someone Run the Taps

Ask a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member to check in every few days and briefly run your taps. This keeps water moving through the pipes and helps spot any issues early, like low water pressure or leaks.

3. Open Cabinet Doors

If you have plumbing under sinks along exterior walls, leave cabinet doors open before you go. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes that are more vulnerable to freezing.

4. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water Lines

Turn off exterior water supply valves and drain any remaining water from outdoor taps, hoses, and irrigation systems. This is one of the most common areas for winter pipe damage—and one of the easiest to prevent.

5. Consider Smart Home Monitoring

Smart thermostats and leak detectors can be lifesavers while you’re away. Many systems will alert you if temperatures drop too low or if water is detected where it shouldn’t be—giving you time to act before damage occurs.

6. Ask a Neighbour to Keep an Eye Out

Let a trusted neighbour know you’ll be away and ask them to check on your home periodically. Even a quick walk-through can help catch issues early and give you peace of mind.

A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Frozen pipes can turn a great vacation into an expensive headache—but with a few simple steps, you can protect your home and enjoy your time away worry-free. Winter is busy enough without unexpected repairs waiting for you when you return.

Safe travels and happy holidays from all of us at Park Realty! 🎄