Protect your Pipes from Freezing this Winter

With the winter weather here to stay, use the following tips  to keep your pipes protected in cold temperatures:

•    Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut-off valve is located inside your home so water can be turned off in an emergency. Typically, the valve is located where the water service enters your home at your water meter. This could be in the basement, crawlspace or utility closet.

•    Check for pipes in unheated rooms, crawlspaces and basement. Remember, it is your  responsibility to heat the area around your water meter.

•    Protect exposed pipes by wrapping them with heat tape, pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation. These can all be found at your local hardware store.

•    If you have an indoor valve for outside faucets, shut it off and drain the water from the pipes leading to the faucet. Also, turn off your irrigation system.

•    If you are going away on vacation for an extended period of time, leave your thermostat at 13 degrees Celsius to prevent freezing. 

•    Alternatively, you can hire a plumber to drain your system and turn your water off. 
Residents who have experienced frozen pipes over several winters, should consider allowing a small trickle of water to run overnight to prevent freezing. The cost of the  water is typically lower than the cost of repairing a broken or frozen pipe.

If you suspect that your pipes have frozen, turn off your main water valve immediately. Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off.  Call 311 and a City staff person  will be sent to verify if water service is frozen. Please note that during extreme cold weather events, crews may be required to attend many locations. It may be several days before crews can visit your property.

For more information about frozen water services and additional tips to help prevent frozen pipes,  visit www.greatersudbury.ca.