Stop heating-season
damage before it starts

Proactive maintenance can save Montreal homeowners thousands

December 16, 2025 • Advertorial

As winter settles in, Levine Bros. Plumbing, a leader in Montreal’s plumbing and water-heating services since 1922, reminds homeowners and property managers that cold weather brings more than high energy bills. Freezing temperatures place significant strain on aging water heaters, boilers, pipes, and valves—making them far more prone to leaks, breakdowns, and costly damage.

Freezing temperatures place significant strain on aging water heaters, boilers, pipes, and valves…

Water-heating systems typically last 10 to 25 years, but as they age, the likelihood of corrosion and failure increases sharply—especially during extreme cold. Beyond the risk of property damage, outdated systems can affect insurance coverage. Many insurers either raise premiums or refuse water-damage claims tied to older tanks, boilers, or oil systems due to environmental contamination concerns.

Plan ahead and pay less

Waiting until failure occurs can be even more costly, particularly in multi-unit buildings, where a malfunctioning boiler can disrupt service for dozens of tenants during peak winter use. For those not ready to replace equipment, Levine Bros. recommends adding an automatic shutoff valve, a smart safeguard that detects leaks and cuts the water supply instantly.

As a minor upgrade that offers significant protection, the company installs and recommends the Moen Flo Shutoff, with remote monitoring, real-time alerts, and freeze detection through the Moen app. This innovative system helps prevent minor leaks from becoming major floods and typically pays for itself in under 3 years.

Levine Bros. also offers the NOWA leak-prevention system, a comprehensive water-security solution that uses wireless sensors to detect unusual moisture and automatically shut off the main water supply. It’s ideal for homeowners, property managers, and snowbirds who want round-the-clock protection across every room.

Grants and Rebates to Simplify Upgrades

With support from Énergir and Hydro-Québec, upgrading outdated heating systems has never been easier.

Dual Energy with Énergir pairs electricity and natural gas, automatically selecting the most efficient energy source based on temperature. When conditions drop below -12°C, systems seamlessly switch to natural gas to reduce costs and grid demand. Grants are available through Énergir for eligible residential and commercial projects. Levine Bros. installs electric boilers that integrate perfectly with dual-energy setups and can recommend compatible forced-air options.

Chauffez vert with Hydro-Québec encourages property owners to replace oil or propane systems with renewable, low-emission alternatives such as hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, or wood energy sources.

“Hydronic heating provides the dependable comfort Montrealers rely on,” says Ben Levine, co-owner of Levine Bros. Plumbing. “We guide clients through available rebates to help them make durable, cost-effective upgrades.”

‘Water-heating systems typically last 10 to 25 years, but as they age, the likelihood of corrosion and failure increases sharply.’

Even if pre-season maintenance is overdue, simple steps can still protect your property. Ensuring heat reaches vulnerable areas, like crawl spaces, garages, and unused rooms, helps prevent frozen pipes. Coupled with leak-prevention systems, these precautions lower insurance risks and protect your home or building’s long-term value.

Jacob Bratin and Ben Levine

About Levine Bros. Plumbing

Founded in 1922, Levine Bros. Plumbing is a fourth-generation, family-owned company serving residential and commercial clients across Montreal. From emergency repairs to complex hydronic installations, the company is dedicated to sustainable, long-term solutions that keep properties safe year-round.

For service bookings or more information, visit Levine Bros. Plumbing.

Images: Courtesy of Levine Bros. Plumbing