Frozen Pipes
Frozen Pipes | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Kingston
When Kingston’s winter grips your pipes with ice, every minute counts. HEP’s seasoned team arrives fast, armed with thermal imaging, pipe-thawing technology, and decades of local know-how to stop bursts before they start—or fix them when they do. Our technicians work cleanly in any home or business, explaining each step and price up front, so you’re never left in the cold wondering what comes next.
Because frigid water lines don’t keep office hours, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing backed by fully stocked vans and a satisfaction guarantee. From crawl spaces in heritage limestone cottages to commercial mains along Princess Street, we thaw, repair, and insulate with care that survives the harshest Lake Ontario winds. Call HEP, warm up your pipes, and get your day—and water—flowing again today.
FAQs
What should I do immediately if I suspect a frozen pipe in my Kingston home?
Turn off the main water shut-off valve to prevent flooding if the pipe bursts, open the affected faucets to relieve pressure, and gently warm the frozen section with a hair dryer or space heater (never an open flame). Then call our 24/7 emergency line so a licensed Kingston plumber can locate the freeze point, safely thaw the pipe, and check for hidden damage.
How quickly can your emergency plumbers reach my property in Kingston?
Because our technicians are dispatched from within the Kingston area, average response time inside the city limits is 30–60 minutes, even during nights, weekends, and holidays. In surrounding communities such as Gananoque, Odessa, and Amherstview we aim for arrival within 90 minutes, weather permitting.
What are the common causes of frozen pipes in Kingston?
Kingston’s winter temperatures often drop below –20 °C, especially during Arctic cold snaps. Pipes freeze most often in uninsulated crawl spaces, exterior walls, garages, and cottages that are shut down for the season. Poor insulation, cracked foundation vents, and sudden furnace failures also increase the risk.
Can a plumber always save a frozen pipe, or will it need replacement?
In many cases a plumber can thaw the pipe, inspect it with a thermal camera and pressure test, then reinforce weak joints. If the pipe has split, we will cut out the damaged section and install new copper, PEX, or PVC piping to current Ontario Plumbing Code standards. We carry materials on our trucks to complete most repairs in one visit.
How much does emergency frozen-pipe service typically cost?
Pricing depends on access, pipe material, and extent of damage, but a straightforward thaw and inspection in Kingston usually ranges from $250–$450 plus HST. If repair or pipe replacement is needed, costs can run $500–$1,200. We provide a written estimate on-site before any work begins and accept major credit cards and insurance claim billing.
What preventive steps can I take to avoid frozen pipes in the future?
• Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape, especially in basements and exterior walls. • Keep the thermostat at least 15 °C, even when away. • Seal foundation cracks and drafty windows. • Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior bibs. • Let a thin stream of water run during extreme cold spells. • Schedule an annual plumbing inspection—our Kingston team can assess vulnerable lines and install smart freeze alarms that send alerts to your phone.