Frozen Water Services

What You Should Know about Frozen Water Services

Why do water lines freeze?

Most water services in the City of Greater Sudbury are deeply buried for protection against frost. Some water service lines, however, are at a shallow depth by today's standards. Extremely cold temperatures, or fluctuations between warm and cold temperatures, can sometimes push frost to a depth that will freeze water services.

Who is responsible for water service lines?

It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain and/or replace the portion of the water service located within the building and between the building and the property line.

The City of Greater Sudbury is responsible for the service located between the property line and the water main.

Does the city charge a fee for thawing a water service on private property?

Property owners will be charged whichever is greater: a flat rate of $542 (subject to increase in 2009) or the actual cost of thawing the water service. This fee applies each time the municipality must thaw a water service on private property.

How can I reduce the risk of frozen water pipes this winter?

When the temperature is below freezing, you can leave a cold water tap running at a steady stream of about 6 mm or ¼ inch (approximate thickness of a drinking straw).
Leave the cupboard doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks open if piping is located next to exterior walls. Please take care to remove household cleaners and other items that could harm children or pets while the cupboard doors are open.
Do not turn your furnace below 13 degrees C (55° F) at night or when the house is vacant.
Shut off and drain pipes leading to outside faucets.
Wrap foam pipe insulation around pipes most susceptible to freezing (e.g. near outside walls, crawl spaces, attics).
Seal air leaks in your home and garage, especially in areas where pipes are located.
If you are away, have someone check your home regularly.

Will I be charged for extra water consumption if I leave my water running?

The City of Greater Sudbury maintains record of service calls to residences and commercial properties with frozen water lines. If your water service has frozen in the past, and the frozen portion was located on municipal property, you will receive a letter advising that the City of Greater Sudbury will deduct additional water charges from your water/wastewater bill this winter. If your water service has a history of freezing on your private property, additional water charges are the responsibility of the property owner.

What should I do if my water service freezes this winter?

If you experience a frozen water service, please contact the City of Greater Sudbury by dialing 3-1-1. If you are calling after hours, your message will be forwarded to the appropriate supervisor on call. Please note that during cold weather, crews may be required to service many locations. It may be several days before crews can visit your property.

Can I do the work myself?

If you are able to determine that the frozen section of water pipe is located inside your home, you can try the following methods. If you are unable to locate the frozen section of pipe or are unsure what to do, please contact a licensed plumber.
IMPORTANT: Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen water pipe. Always use caution when applying any heat source near insulation or other flammable materials.

Open a cold water tap nearest the frozen section so you will know when the pipe is thawed.
Apply heat using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe or an electric hair dryer.
You may also use a portable heater with caution, especially around flammable materials.

How can I correct this problem permanently?

If your water service line has frozen in the past, and the frozen portion was located on your property, the best solution is to lower your service line to a depth that cannot be penetrated by frost. The City of Greater Sudbury requires new water lines to be buried at a depth of 2 metres. Property owners with existing water services are asked to contact the City of Greater Sudbury for more information.

How can I obtain more information?

For information about municipal water services, please contact the City of Greater Sudbury at 3-1-1.