Going away this winter?

Keep your home’s water pipes warm!

‘Tis the season to head south and enjoy some fun in the sun. Whether you’re going away for a few weeks or just for the weekend, it’s important to keep your home’s water pipes nice and warm while you’re gone. Consistent drops in temperature can cause pipes to freeze, leak or burst if they are not properly insulated. 

But you can help prevent that from happening with these pipe protection tips from the City of Vaughan: 

• If you’re going on vacation, have someone check on your home regularly to ensure it is heated and there are no visible leaks from your pipes.
• Before going away, shut off your property’s main indoor water shut-off valve and drain your pipes. 
  • If you shut off your indoor water supply, turn off your water heater to prevent it from burning out.
• 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.
  • You may even consider placing a space heater in this room.
• Insulate pipes that are near an outside wall, in crawl spaces, attics and cold rooms. 
• 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.
• Watch for frost or condensation on your pipes or a drop in your water pressure throughout the winter.  

What to do if you suspect your pipes are frozen

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. 

How to test for leaks

A simple way to test for leaks is to ensure water is not being used in your home at the end of the day. In other words, avoid running washing machines, dishwashers, sprinklers or toilets at night and record the number on your water meter. Do not use any water or flush any toilets overnight. Then, in the morning, check the number on your water meter. If the number has changed, you may have a water leak somewhere on your property. To learn more about checking your water meter, read the City’s water-wise brochure (PDF) and frozen water service brochure (PDF). 

For more information on water services, visit vaughan.ca/water.

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