Water & Wastewater

If your pipes are frozen try running different cold water taps throughout your home or business to isolate the problem area.

If all water service has stopped, locate the area where your water service enters your home as it is most likely frozen at this location, especially if the meter is located in a crawl space or cupboard. Leave the cupboard door open so warm air may enter. Add additional warmth to areas. Slowly and carefully use a safely spaced heater or hairdryer. We may offer advice over the phone or visit your property to find the problem and recommend a solution. If you are a tenant, please contact your landlord as well.

Thawing frozen pipes on your property. The Municipality recommends calling a licensed plumber for help with frozen pipes. If you want to thaw household pipes, please follow these safety precautions:

• Do not use a torch with an open flame to thaw pipes, as this is a fire hazard.
• Shut off your master water shut-off valve (usually in the basement, where the water service pipe enters your home).

Steps to thaw a frozen pipe:

• Turn on a tap in the basement
• Use a blow dryer, electric blanket or heating pad to warm the pipe for one or two hours. Check blow dryer regularly to ensure it does not overheat.
• Place a warm towel or rag around the frozen pipe.
• You may also use a portable heater with caution, especially around flammable materials.
• Always use caution when applying any heat source near insulation or other flammable materials.
• Depending on the outside temperature and the extent of freezing within the pipe, the thawing process could take between one and six hours.
• If/when the pipe thaws, water should start flowing to the tap you turned on in the basement.

If these steps do not resolve the problem, contact a licensed plumber.

After thawing the pipe keep the pipes warm. If the pipe has frozen already, it’s likely to freeze again. Insulate the pipe, ensure the area is heated.

Watch for leaks. You own all the pipes from your property line and into your home or business. If pipes are leaking, you are responsible for repairs and should call a professional plumber. For information about potential damages or claims related to frozen and/or thawing pipes, contact your insurance provider. If the water meter is leaking, please contact us. We may need to repair or replace the meter which may result in charges for service or replacement.

Check for leaks in Spring. Turn off all your taps, and check your water meter. If you notice leaks or drips, close the shutoff valve and call a plumber for assistance.

Properties with history of frozen pipes. Be sure to winterize your plumbing well before winter weather arrives. If needed, call your local plumber for assistance. Winterize crawl spaces and anywhere else cold air may come in contact with your plumbing. 

How to prevent pipes from freezing

• Use foam pipe insulation to protect pipes near outside walls, in crawl spaces or cold cellars.
• Open kitchen, bathroom or laundry cupboard doors to let warm air reach your plumbing. Please remove household cleaners and other items that could harm children or pets while cupboard doors are open.
• Seal air leaks in your home and garage, especially in areas where pipes run.
• If there are water supply lines in the garage keep outside garage doors closed.
• Insulate all outdoor water pipes with specially designed outdoor foam pipe covers available at building supply or home improvement stores.
• Shut off and drain pipes leading to outside faucets.
• If you’re going away, talk to your insurance company about what you can do to protect your home from frozen pipes and leaks.