Reduce the Risk of Your Pipes and Water Meter Freezing

How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

• When the temperature is below freezing,  leave a cold water tap running at a steady stream of about 6 mm (about the thickness of a drinking straw). If you choose to do this without authorization from the City, it will be at your own cost and reflected on your water bill.
• Leave cupboard doors open if pipes are located next to exterior walls. Make sure you 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 empty.
• Shut off and drain pipes leading to outside faucets.
• Wrap foam pipe insulation around pipes most likely to freeze (those located 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.

How to Keep Your Water Meter from Freezing

The best way to keep your water meter from freezing is to insulate the pipes leading to and from it with pipe insulation.

What you’ll need

• Pipe insulation. Most water pipes are either 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch in size. You can buy this at most hardware stores.
• Electrical tape.
• Safety gloves.
• Utility knife.
• Tape measure.

How to Insulate Your Water Pipes

1. Measure the length of pipe you want to insulate. You’ll want to insulate it as close to the water meter as possible. Cut the pipe insulation to the desired length using your utility knife. Don’t forget to wear gloves for protection.

2. The insulation is pre-cut with a seam. Pry the seam open and slip the insulation over the pipe.

3. If the insulation has adhesive, remove the plastic and press the seam together. If it does not, use electrical tape to wrap around the pipe insulation every 6 inches.