Prepare your pipes for frosty weather!
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City provides important tips to prevent frozen pipes this winter
As the winter season approaches, it’s important to prepare your home water system for the cold weather to come. Extremely cold temperatures or fluctuations between warm and cold temperatures can cause household pipes to freeze, burst or leak. The City of Vaughan is encouraging residents to monitor outdoor water equipment before the temperature hits below freezing and throughout the winter to ensure leaks are caught as soon as possible.
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 weather drafts. Preparing your water system for the winter minimizes the risk of potential property damage and financial losses, conserves water, and helps prevent potential loss of water due to emergency repairs.
Follow these important tips to prevent frozen pipes this winter:
- Insulate pipes that are near outside walls, in crawl spaces or attics.
- Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside.
- Apply low-wattage pipe wrap heating.
- Drain the water from the pipe by opening the tap at the lowest point in your house if you’re shutting off the main water valve coming into the house.
- Turn off outdoor taps – the shut-off valve is typically in the basement. Once this is done, keep outdoor taps in the open position so any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to burst.
- Keep the garage door closed as much as possible if you have water supply lines in your garage.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses and winterize sprinkler systems, pools and spas as per manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Watch for frost or condensation on your pipes or a drop in your water pressure throughout the winter.
If you’re leaving home for an extended period of time:
- make sure someone checks on your home on a regular basis to ensure it is heated and there are no visible leaks.
- leave the heat on and set the thermostat to at least 15 C.
- shut off your property’s main indoor water shut-off valve and drain your pipes.
- make sure to turn off your hot water heater to prevent it from burning out if you shut off your indoor water supply.
Remember, it’s always good practice to monitor your water usage overnight by obtaining a read in the evening and once in the morning to check for any costly water leaks. For more information on how to check your meter, read the City’s water wise brochure (PDF).
Overall, winterizing your water system can prevent damage and associated repair costs. If you suspect your water service is frozen, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. If you suspect you have frozen pipes on your private property, you are responsible for contacting a plumber to have the service thawed. For additional resources and information on winter water services, visit the City’s website. You can also download this informational brochure (PDF) for additional important tips with visuals.
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