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Tips to prevent frozen pipes and bursts
February 1, 2021We are experiencing some very cold weather, if your residence has a history of freezing lines, here are a few ideas to help keep the water flowing:
Look for cold drafts
Check in unheated areas where water supply lines are located. Usual locations include: basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Open interior doors and cabinets
Allow heat from the house to warm unprotected pipes in cold basements and similar areas.
Keep the heat on
Keep your thermostat set for at least 15°C.
Regularly run water through pipes
Regularly run water in your pipes through everyday use, or by continuously running a steady pencil-width stream of water. You will be responsible for any increase in water charges.
Winterize outside faucets and other water features
Make sure the water line to outside faucets, garden hoses, pools or decorative water features is turned off, disconnected, and drained. If these lines freeze, they can burst which may cause water to drain into your home.
Check your hot water tank
If your hot water tank is located in a maintenance room outside of your home, make sure the area is adequately heated.
Insulate pipes
Both hot and cold water pipes should be insulated in cold areas. Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes, like a pipe sleeve, or installing UL-listed heat tape, heat cable or similar materials.
