Cold Weather and Water Pipes

Feb 18, 2015

Update: February 23, 2015

The City of Greater Sudbury would like to inform residents who plan to be away from their homes for more than a day to make arrangement for water usage throughout the day to lower the risk of pipes freezing. When water pipes aren't used for long periods of time during extreme cold temperatures, the risk of pipes freezing rises.

Also, even though temperatures are expected to rise at the end of the week, air temperature has little effect on frozen pipe incidents. Frost remains in the ground and can still cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes break. This can cause no water in your home. Because of this, it's important to be prepared even as temperatures rise.


For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The City reminds residents that while we continue to respond to calls as quickly as possible, due to call volume, response may be slightly delayed.

The City of Greater Sudbury continues to respond to an increase in call volume pertaining to residents experiencing no low water. In the last 7 days, more than 100 calls have been received by the City relating to frozen water meters and frozen water pipes. 

The City reminds residents that while we continue to respond to calls as quickly as possible, due to call volume, response may be slightly delayed.

Extreme cold temperatures can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes break. This can cause no water in your home. Because of this, it’s important to be prepared:

Keep the indoor temperature warm.

Open the kitchen cabinet doors under the kitchen sink to allow more heated air near the pipes.

Seal air leaks in your home and garage, especially in areas where pipes and your indoor water meter are located.

Do not turn your furnace below 13 degrees C (55 F) at night or when the house is vacant. If you’re planning on being away, ask someone to check your home regularly.

Make sure you have enough drinking water to last 72 hours.

Fill the bathtub to ensure you have sanitary water available. In an emergency, snow can be melted in your tub for water to use for sanitary purposes.

If your pipes freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. 

For more information, please contact the City of Greater Sudbury by calling 3-1-1 or visit our website at www.greatersudbury.ca

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Media Contact:

Shannon Dowling, Corporate Communications
City of Greater Sudbury, 705-674-4455, ext. 2539
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatersudbury 
Twitter: @greatersudbury