It’s not too late to prevent frozen pipes!

It’s cold out there! Did you know extreme cold temperatures can cause household water pipes to freeze, burst or leak? Whether you will be away from home for a long period of time or you haven’t yet prepped your pipes for the cold, the City of Vaughan is reminding you how to avoid unexpected problems – and subsequent expensive repairs – to keep water flowing easily in your home. 

Follow these tips to protect your home’s pipes from the unrelenting Canadian winter:

• Have someone check on your home on a regular basis to ensure it is heated and there are no visible leaks from your pipes when away for an extended period.
• Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses and faucets. Winterize sprinkler systems, pools and spas as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Ensure outdoor taps are turned off – the shut-off valve is typically in the basement of your home. Once this is done, keep outdoor taps in the open position so that in the spring, any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to burst.
• Ensure areas that contain indoor water pipes are kept above 8 degrees Celsius (46 Fahrenheit), 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 inside your home.
• Keep the garage door closed as much as possible if you have water supply lines in your garage.
• Watch for frost or condensation on your pipes or a drop in your water pressure throughout the winter.  

Equipment that is 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 to keep them warm enough to stay above the freezing point. Lastly, make sure to turn off your hot water heater to prevent it from burning out, only if you shut off your indoor water supply.

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 the service thawed. In the unlikely case that the plumber suspects the water service is frozen from the City’s watermain, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. The City will send a licensed water operator to investigate the frozen water pipe. Once your pipes have thawed, check for leaks in your pipes 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. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/water or to learn how to check your meter, read the City’s water wise brochure (PDF) and frozen pipes brochure (PDF). 

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