Protect your pipes

Keep all rooms above 8 Celsius especially near the water meter

While you’re keeping warm from this weekend’s cold weather, don’t forget about your water pipes! Low temperatures can cause pipes to freeze, leak or burst if they are not properly protected from the cold. 

Follow these tips from the City of Vaughan to help keep water flowing in your home:

• Ensure areas that contain indoor water pipes are kept above 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit), especially near the water meter.
• 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.
• Turn off outdoor taps – the shut-off valve is typically located 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.
• If you’re going away, arrange for someone to 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.

     

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. 

To learn more, visit vaughan.ca/water.

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