Freezing Pipes

11/15/2011 at 9:48:18 PM

Hi Barb:

Cold on the prairies, and I expect that you are open to the wind on that side of the house. It's best to contact an insulation company that could possibly blow foam insulation around your pipes. However, you will have to know where the freezing is occuring. Do the pipes come across the floor and then to the plumbing? Are they routed from some other source directly below the bathroom? This information is critical as to where the problem really lies.

We deal with an outfit called "Insul-pro" and have found them to be very good. I know that they are in various cities across Canada. I know that they are in either Calgary or Edmonton. If you give them a call, either they can do it, or can recommend someone who is reputable.

Chuck MacMicking

Meadowood Homes

Qualicum Beach, B.C.

11/17/2011 at 12:33:44 PM

Unfortunately I can't help you, but my experiences working up in the Arctic is that you need to get those pipes on the inside of the building envelope. You may have to bulkhead (vertical and horizontal) which may lead to additional costs of drywall, painting, etc. But that is the "most correct" way to resolve your problems. The attic space should also be treated the same way, no water pipes in the attic either.

I have even seen where vent stacks have frozen, so just don't look at the running water pipes.

Cheers

John