How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in an Ontario Winter
Which pipes freeze first, what to do before the first hard frost, how to get through a cold snap and what to do if a pipe freezes or bursts in your Durham Region home.
Shut off the main, then call. A live operator answers around the clock and a licensed plumber is dispatched from Oshawa to stop the water and repair the pipe.

Burst and frozen pipe repair is emergency service for supply lines that have split from freezing, corrosion or pressure. Hayes Plumbing thaws frozen lines safely, repairs or replaces the damaged section, checks for hidden splits and freeze-proofs the run so it does not happen again, across Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington and the rest of Durham Region.
“We had an emergency plumbing issue, Hayes was recommended to us. Andrew came within 2 hours to fix the issue. Great customer service and pricing. Thank you so much!”
If you notice any of these, it is time to call a licensed plumber.
Call (905) 576-3043Close the main water valve, then call (905) 576-3043. The operator dispatches a technician and tells you what to do while you wait.
Frozen sections are thawed safely and the burst or split is located.
The damaged section is replaced and the line is pressure tested, with the price quoted in writing first.
Insulation, heat trace, rerouting or a frost-free tap so the same line does not freeze again.
Call to book a visit or a free in-home estimate.

Licensed plumbers, WSIB certified, BBB accredited and members of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce.
Free in-home estimates and the price in writing before any work starts.
Founded in Oshawa by Brian Hayes in 1961, with seven fully stocked service vehicles across Durham Region.
A real person answers emergency calls around the clock and dispatches from Oshawa.
Our 2026 cost guide lists leak and drain line repair at $500 to $1,500 for spot repairs and $3,000 to $10,000 for a full line replacement, which we use as a planning range for burst pipe repairs. Emergency calls outside regular hours may carry an additional charge, which we explain before dispatching. Every repair is quoted in writing before the work begins.
We are your plumber in Oshawa, and we dispatch from our shop at 448 Ritson Rd. South to:
Common questions about burst & frozen pipe repair in Oshawa and Durham Region.
Shut off the main water valve immediately, turn off the breaker for any area where water is near electrical, move valuables and call (905) 576-3043.
You can warm an accessible section gently with a hair dryer with the tap open. Never use an open flame. If you cannot find or reach the frozen section, call a licensed plumber.
Most policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe, but claims can be denied if the home was left unheated. Keep the heat on and document your precautions.
Insulate exposed runs, add heat trace where needed, disconnect hoses and drain outdoor taps in the fall, and keep the house heated above 13 degrees Celsius when away.
Which pipes freeze first, what to do before the first hard frost, how to get through a cold snap and what to do if a pipe freezes or bursts in your Durham Region home.
Winter weather in Oshawa can be extremely harsh, with frigid temperatures that pose a serious risk to your home’s plumbing system. One of the most common and damaging problems homeowners face during the winter months is frozen pipes, which can lead to costly repairs and inconvenience. As water inside your pipes freezes, it expands, causing
Which pipes actually freeze in Durham Region homes, what to do before the cold hits, and what a burst pipe means for your plumbing.
Call (905) 576-3043 for friendly service from Oshawa's plumbers since 1961.