Toronto’s winters routinely dip below –15 °C, and that Arctic chill doesn’t just strain your furnace—it can rupture un-insulated pipes in under eight minutes, flood finished basements, and turn holiday hosting into a costly nightmare.¹ Meanwhile, December’s spike in laundry, cooking, and shower loads puts drains, water heaters, and sewer laterals under double the stress.
That’s why our expert plumbers at Anta Plumbing Toronto created this Winter Holiday Plumbing Checklist specifically for homes in Toronto. Using data from the City of Toronto about frost depth, rules from the Ontario Building Code about freeze protection, and real-life service experience from places like Oakville and Scarborough, we guide you through 9 important steps—like insulating pipes and using sewer-line camera inspections—to ensure your water keeps flowing smoothly and your holiday guests stay happy. And if something does go wrong, our 24/7 emergency plumbing team is just minutes away.
Key Takeaways (Skim-Saver)
- Insulate & Monitor Pipes: Foam sleeves + smart leak sensors slash frozen-pipe claims by up to 37 %.³
- Drain Discipline: Keep grease, onion skins, and coffee grounds out of sinks to avoid Boxing-Day blockages.
- Guest-Proof Toilets: A quick flapper-valve tune-up and a visible plunger avert 80 % of holiday toilet calls.
- Outdoor Shutdown: Frost-proof spigots and a cleared sump-pump discharge prevent foundation ice damage.
- Traveling? Shut the main valve, flush lines, and let a neighbor check in—your insurance may require it.
Know the Valve Map: Labelling shut-off valves saves an average of $2,400 in water-damage repairs.
1. Insulate Your Pipes to Prevent Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing problems, and they can lead to costly repairs if they burst. Insulating your pipes is a simple yet effective step to keep them safe.
- Identify vulnerable pipes: Look for pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
- Use pipe insulation: Wrap exposed pipes with foam sleeves or insulating tape to reduce the risk of freezing.
- Let faucets drip: On particularly cold nights, leave a small trickle of water running in faucets connected to exposed pipes. This prevents pressure buildup that can cause bursting.
Tip: If you’re leaving your home for an extended period, set your thermostat to at least 15°C to maintain a safe indoor temperature.
2. Prepare for Increased Toilet Usage
If you’re hosting holiday guests, your toilets will be working overtime. A few preventive measures can avoid unexpected clogs and backups.
- Flush with care: Remind guests to avoid flushing items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, or excessive toilet paper.
- Inspect for leaks: Check your toilet for any leaks or slow refilling tanks. Repairing these issues now ensures smooth operation during the holidays.
- Keep a plunger handy: A plunger is your first line of defense against minor clogs. Make sure you have one in each bathroom.
Pro Tip: Upgrade to a high-efficiency toilet if you’re frequently dealing with clogs. These models use less water and are designed to handle waste more effectively.
3. Check Your Drains for Blockages
Holiday cooking and cleaning can overwhelm your drains, leading to slow drainage or even complete blockages.
- Clean kitchen sink drains: Avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the drain, as they solidify and create clogs. Use a strainer to catch food particles.
- Clear bathroom drains: Hair and soap residue can accumulate in shower and sink drains. Use a drain snake or a safe, eco-friendly drain cleaner to remove buildup.
- Schedule a professional drain cleaning: If your drains are already slow, a professional plumber can perform a thorough cleaning to ensure they flow freely during the holidays.
Bonus Tip: Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes over time and are less effective than mechanical cleaning methods.
4. Protect Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor plumbing is particularly vulnerable to freezing during the winter months.
- Disconnect garden hoses: Remove and store hoses to prevent water from freezing in the faucet and causing damage.
- Shut off outdoor faucets: Drain and shut off water supply lines to exterior faucets. Use an insulated cover for additional protection.
- Inspect your sump pump: If you have a sump pump discharge line outside, ensure it’s clear of ice and debris to prevent backups.
Note: If you rely on outdoor water features during the holidays, consider installing frost-proof spigots for added security.
5. Prepare for Guest-Friendly Plumbing
Hosting guests? Take a few extra steps to ensure your plumbing is ready for the increased use.
- Inspect water heaters: Check that your water heater is functioning properly and can meet the demand. Set it to 49°C to avoid scalding while maintaining efficiency.
- Label shut-off valves: Make sure everyone in the house knows where the main water shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency.
- Upgrade fixtures: If you have older faucets or showerheads, consider upgrading to more efficient models to handle the extra load.
Tip: A tankless water heater can be a great investment for households that frequently host guests, as it provides endless hot water on demand.
6. Prevent Sewer Line Issues
A sewer line backup is every homeowner’s nightmare, especially during the holidays. Take proactive steps to avoid this unpleasant scenario.
- Watch what you flush: Only flush toilet paper to prevent blockages.
- Avoid overloading garbage disposals: Dispose of holiday leftovers like bones, coffee grounds, and fibrous vegetables in the trash instead of the disposal.
- Schedule a sewer inspection: If your home has a history of sewer line issues, a pre-holiday inspection can identify potential problems before they escalate.
7. Emergency Preparation
No matter how prepared you are, emergencies can still happen. Be ready to act quickly if plumbing issues arise.
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy: Find a reliable local plumber in Toronto who offers 24/7 emergency services.
- Stock up on essentials: Have tools like a plunger, wrench, and pipe tape available for minor repairs.
- Know your plumbing system: Familiarize yourself with the location of shut-off valves for water, gas, and appliances.
Pro Tip: Consider enrolling in a plumbing maintenance program to ensure your system is regularly inspected and maintained throughout the year.
8. Winterize Your Home If Traveling
If you’re planning to be away for the holidays, take steps to protect your home from plumbing issues while you’re gone.
- Shut off the main water supply: Turning off the water can prevent flooding in case of a burst pipe.
- Drain pipes: Open faucets to remove any remaining water from your plumbing system.
- Ask a neighbor to check in: Have someone periodically check your home to ensure everything is in order.
Extra Tip: Install a smart water leak detector that alerts you to leaks or freezing temperatures while you’re away.
9. Stay Safe With Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Prevention is always better than cure. Schedule regular plumbing maintenance to keep your system running smoothly year-round.
- Inspect pipes for wear and tear: Check for rust, corrosion, or leaks.
- Service your water heater: Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup and improve efficiency.
- Check for proper drainage: Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.
Fun Fact: Regular plumbing maintenance can extend the lifespan of your system and save you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your plumbing system is ready for the winter holidays. By following this checklist, you can avoid the most common seasonal plumbing issues, from frozen pipes to clogged drains and overworked toilets.
If you run into trouble despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber from Anta Plumbing! With proper planning and timely assistance, you can focus on enjoying the holidays with your loved ones instead of worrying about plumbing disasters.
Take action now to protect your home and enjoy a stress-free winter holiday season!
Frequently
Asked Questions
Keep your thermostat at 15 °C (59 °F) or higher even when you’re away; the City of Toronto advises warming areas near meters, and the American Red Cross’s 55 °F minimum is a bare floor. A steadier 15 °C gives extra safety. toronto.caredcross.org
Yes. Turning off the main valve, then draining faucets and toilets, removes pressurised water that could freeze or leak. Insurers note burst-pipe claims rise sharply in vacant, pressurised homes. travelers.comiii.org
Open the nearest tap and warm the pipe from the faucet back toward the ice with a hair-dryer or heating pad—never an open flame. Call an emergency plumbing Toronto if water doesn’t return within six hours. toronto.ca
Rigid copper or PVC lines can freeze solid when air hits -6 °C (20 °F); burst pressure may build in just a few hours once ice blocks both ends. thespruce.com
Keep grease, coffee grounds, bones, fibrous peels, and eggshells out of the disposal; they harden or wrap the impeller and violate Toronto’s FOG by-law. Scrape them into the trash instead. appleplumbing.com
Most Toronto homes benefit from an annual hydro-jet or camera inspection; older properties with tree roots or frequent guests may need service every six months. Book drain cleaning before peak season. deetsmechanical.com
Yes. Wi-Fi leak & temperature sensors under $100 can cut water-damage losses by up to 50 % by alerting you before pipes burst. iii.org
Disconnect hoses, close the interior shut-off, open the exterior tap to drain, and cap with an insulated cover. Upgrade to a frost-proof sillcock rated to −30 °C for long-term peace of mind.
References & Further Reading
- City of Toronto – Design Criteria for Sewers & Watermains, 2nd Ed. Minimum 1.8 m pipe cover to “minimize the risk of frost damage.”
- City of Toronto Sewers By-law – “What Not to Flush or Pour Down the Drain.” Grease-disposal rules that prevent household backups.
- Toronto Municipal Code § 851-8 – Backwater/Backflow Requirements. Mandates devices that stop sewer surcharge into basements
