Should I wrap my outdoor pipes before winter?

Wrapping outdoor pipes before winter is a smart move for Ottawa homeowners — our winters regularly drop to -20°C or colder, and frozen pipes can burst and cause serious water damage.

Which pipes need wrapping? Focus on any water pipes that run along exterior walls, through unheated spaces like garages or crawl spaces, or that are exposed outdoors (like hose bibs and irrigation lines). These are the most vulnerable to freezing.

How to do it properly. The most effective approach is foam pipe insulation (available at any Ottawa hardware store), which slips directly over the pipe and can be secured with tape. For extra protection in very exposed areas, you can add electric heat tape underneath the foam — this is especially useful for pipes in unheated garages. Make sure to also disconnect and drain your garden hoses before the first hard frost, and shut off the interior valve feeding your outdoor hose bibs, then open the exterior tap to let any remaining water drain out.

Ottawa-specific timing. Ottawa typically sees its first hard frost in mid-to-late October, so aim to have everything wrapped and drained by Thanksgiving weekend at the latest. Don't wait for the first cold snap — by then it's often too late.

One important distinction: pipe wrapping for water lines is a DIY-friendly task. However, if you have any gas lines or fuel lines running outdoors, those must only be inspected or worked on by a licensed TSSA gas technician — never attempt to wrap, modify, or repair gas piping yourself.

If you're also thinking about winterizing your HVAC system — like your outdoor AC unit or heat pump — that's a great time to schedule a fall maintenance tune-up. Ottawa HVAC Pro can inspect your heating system before the cold hits and make sure you're ready for winter. Request a free consultation anytime.