Homeowner responsibilities
Basement flooding
Checking for leaks
Common leak culprits
Cost of leaks
Pipe maintenance

During severe cold spells, homeowners may experience difficulties with frozen water pipes and water meters.

To prevent frozen pipes

• Apply a low-wattage wrap heater, heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables around the incoming pipe where the water meter is installed. Use products approved by product safety certification organizations, such as Canadian Standards Association or Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and use them only as intended (exterior or interior).
• If the water meter is located under a sink and inside a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, especially if the sink is adjacent to an exterior wall.
• Maintain a consistent temperature at or slightly above 15^oC (60^oF) in your home.
• Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside, especially in areas that are near pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in.
• Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing: near outside walls or in crawl spaces and attics. Most hardware stores carry foam pipe insulation for this purpose.
• Turn off the inside shut-off valve for outside faucets. Drain and then close the outside tap to maintain an air gap in the pipe as well.
• Leave a tap running cold water slowly, at a level just above a drip. This will increase your water consumption and result in a higher water bill, but may reduce your costs for repairing frozen pipes and meters.
• If you’re away, have someone check the house daily to ensure the heat is on and that no problem occurs. Also, shut off the main valve coming into the house and drain the water system (except fire sprinkler lines).

To thaw frozen pipes

1. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe (commonly adjacent to an exterior wall or where the water service enters the home through the foundation).
2. Leave a cold water tap downstream of the location open, so that when the water begins to flow again, you know the pipe has thawed.
3. Apply heat to the suspected area (section of pipe) by using one of the following methods:
   • electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe,
   • electric hair dryer,
   • portable heater (be sure not to place near flammable materials.)

If you are not able to locate the frozen pipe, or are unsure of what to do, contact a licensed plumber.