Keep your water lines and meter safe this winter
Every winter in Wrenford, freezing temperatures can affect underground water service pipes, water meters, and cause water outages. This is a common occurrence across the city. Properties near the Tamsin River or in older neighbourhoods like Riverside Flats and Old Mill may face a higher risk because of shallow buried pipes. However, any property can experience freezing inside if drafts reach the pipes or if the heat is turned down too low.
You are responsible for protecting the water meter, valves, and pipes on your own property. The City protects the portion of the service line on city land up to your property line.
How to prepare for cold weather
- Check for drafts: Look in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and under kitchen or bathroom cabinets where water lines run.
- Seal your home: Fix broken windows, check doors, and insulate gaps that let cold air in.
- Insulate pipes: Use pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape on exposed pipes in cold areas.
- Open interior doors and cabinets: Let warm air from your home reach pipes in unheated areas.
- Keep the heat on: Set your thermostat to at least 15 °C. If you will be away for a long time, check your home insurance policy about checking for freezing.
- Winterize outdoor faucets: Turn off and drain the water lines to garden hoses, pools, or decorative fountains. Frozen outdoor lines can burst and send water into your home.
- Check your hot water tank: If it is in a cold maintenance room, make sure the room stays warm.
- Run water regularly: Use your pipes for everyday tasks to keep water moving.
What to do if your pipes freeze
Signs of frozen pipes include flooding from a burst pipe, very little or no water coming from your faucets, or visible frost on your internal pipes and main shut-off valve.
If your home is flooding, turn off the main shut-off valve right away. The valve is usually near the water meter where the water line enters your home, often in the basement. If you live in a condo or townhome, contact your building manager and call 311.
If you have little or no water, check for a water main break in your area first. If your pipes are frozen, try to thaw them carefully:
- Run your hand along the pipe to find the cold spot.
- Turn on the closest faucet and thaw the pipe from the faucet back toward the blockage. This prevents pressure buildup and bursts.
- Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or hot towels to warm the area. Be patient; it can take minutes or hours.
- Do not use open flames or leave heating items unattended.
If water still does not flow after you try to thaw the pipes, call 311.
City response and responsibilities
When you report frozen pipes to 311, a crew may visit to check the service line. Please note that response times can be slow during heavy snow and ice. For faster service, you can hire a licensed plumber at your own expense.
Water service is a shared responsibility. While the City works on the city-owned portion of the pipe, we will also try to thaw the private portion to restore your water. Before we do this, you must complete a Work Authorization Form and cover the cost of thawing your private line. All repairs to the service line on private property, including frozen or missing water meters, are the homeowner's responsibility.
For more information, see Pool schedules summer 2023.
Who to contact
Report frozen pipes or water outages to 311 or call 519-555-0100 from outside the city. For questions about water service line repairs, visit Water & Wastewater.