In early January, Jacques Nault, owner of an apartment in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, was shocked to find his property transformed. Walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture were completely encased in thick, white ice. In some areas, the ice on the floor reached a depth of 30 cm, engulfing electronic devices.

The cause was identified: the tenant had completely shut off the heating system before leaving for a winter holiday, aiming to save on electricity costs.

Water from a burst pipe flooded the home in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, forming large ice blocks in early January. *Odditycentral*

At the time, Quebec was experiencing a record cold spell during the 2025-2026 winter. In Trois-Rivieres, temperatures consistently hovered around -20°C, even plummeting to an extreme -38°C on 24/1. This was significantly colder than a typical freezer, which maintains a temperature of -18°C.

Without warmth, water inside the pipes froze, expanded, and caused them to burst. The escaping water immediately froze upon contact with the sub-zero temperatures, gradually accumulating into large masses that severely damaged the home.

''Rising costs make everyone want to save, but turning off the heat is a mistake'', Nault stated, estimating the damages at tens of thousands of USD.

Currently, water has deeply permeated the walls and ceilings, posing a significant risk of severe mold growth. The homeowner anticipates having to remove all interior furnishings, conduct industrial drying, and repair the apartment, with costs covered by insurance.

The sink system (pictured) and many other items in the Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, apartment were frozen in early January. *Odditycentral*

The tenant moved out on 5/1. Nault has not yet decided whether to pursue legal action for compensation.

In cold climates, experts advise homeowners not to completely turn off heating systems when away for extended periods. Instead, they recommend lowering the temperature to a minimum of 10-15°C. This temperature is sufficient to prevent water in pipes from freezing, thereby avoiding burst pipes and significant property damage.

Minh Phuong (According to Odditycentral)