Going away for the winter?
When the cold weather sweeps in, many leave home for a warmer climate. If you’re going away for the holidays, the winter months or even just the weekend, ensure your water pipes are protected from the low temperatures so they don’t freeze, leak or burst.
Follow these tips from the City of Vaughan on how to avoid these unexpected problems – and the subsequent expensive repairs:
- If you are away for an extended period, have someone check on your home regularly to ensure it is heated and there are no visible leaks from your pipes.
- Turn off outdoor taps – the shut-off valve is typically in the basement of a home. Once this is done, keep the outdoor taps in the open position so any water remaining in the pipe can expand in the spring without causing the pipe to burst.
- Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses and faucets. Winterize sprinkler systems, pools and spas as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Ensure areas that contain indoor water pipes are kept above 8 C (46 F), especially near the water meter.
- Insulate pipes that are near an outside wall, in crawl spaces and attics.
- Seal any air leaks that allow cold air to come inside your home.
- If you have water supply lines in your garage, keep the door closed as much as possible.
- If you shut off your indoor water supply, turn off your water heater to prevent it from burning out.
- Watch for frost or condensation on your pipes or a drop in your water pressure throughout the winter.
The equipment most susceptible to freezing outside or in unheated areas are outdoor taps (e.g., garden hoses), sprinkler systems, swimming pools, spas and anything connected to the City’s water distribution system that is exposed to the cold. The best prevention against frozen pipes is keeping them warm enough to stay above the freezing point.
What to do if you suspect a frozen pipe
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining and replacing water pipes inside their homes and from the home to the property line. The City is responsible for pipes beyond the property line, typically marked by the curb box in the lawn or driveway.
If you suspect your pipes are frozen, contact a licensed plumber to have them thawed. In the unlikely case the plumber suspects the water service is frozen from the City’s watermain, contact Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca. The City will send a licensed water operator to investigate the frozen water pipe.
Once your pipes have thawed, check for leaks by using the water meter. You can check for hidden leaks by stopping all water use in your home and watching the low flow indicator on your water meter. To learn how to check your water meter, read the City’s water-wise brochure (PDF) and frozen pipes brochure (PDF). For more information, visit vaughan.ca/water.
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