Prevent or Thaw Frozen Pipes

The pipes in your home can freeze in cold weather. This can leave you with no water or cause your pipes to burst, leading to expensive property damage. Take steps to protect your pipes from freezing and learn what to do if they freeze.

Water service pipes are owned by you and the City

The part that the City owns runs from the watermain on the street to the property line.

The part that you own runs from the property line into the home.

- Know where to find your main water shut-off valve and how it works (in case your pipes burst).
- Insulate pipes most prone to freezing, especially near outside walls and in crawl spaces, the attic and garage. This can be done with foam pipe covers available from building supply or home improvement stores.
- Seal air leaks in your home and garage to stop cold air from getting in. Check around windows and doors, electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes.
- Outdoor faucets are the first to freeze. Unscrew any hoses, turn off the outdoor water supply and let the taps drain.
- If your pipes are prone to freezing, there may be a problem you cannot see. Consider contacting a plumber for advice on how best to protect your home.
- Commercial water customers – protect fire lines by wrapping all lines exposed to the cold.
If you turn on your taps and have no water, the pipes in your home may be frozen. Likely places for frozen pipes include:
- Against exterior walls.
- Where the water service pipe enters the home through the foundation wall.
Here are some tips and precautions when thawing frozen pipes.
Important precautions
- Do not use a torch with an open flame to thaw pipes – this is a fire hazard.
- Ensure you know the location of your master water shut-off valve. If the pipe breaks you will need to immediately shut off the water in your house until the pipe is repaired.
Steps to thaw frozen pipes
1. Turn on a tap in the basement, preferably the cold water faucet in the laundry room.
2. Apply heat to the suspected frozen pipe by warming the air around it or applying heat directly to the pipe. You can use an electric heating pad, hair dryer, space heater or warm towel or rag.
  Do not leave electrical devices unattended, or use kerosene or propane heaters, charcoal stoves or any open flame to thaw a frozen pipe.
3. Depending on the outside temperature and the extent of freezing within the pipe, the thawing process could take between one and six hours.
4. Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.
If the above steps do not resolve the issue
If you are unable to thaw the pipes or locate the frozen area, you may wish to contact a licensed plumber for advice.
You can also contact 905-641-0971 and someone from the City will come to investigate. Please note: Should crews determine that the pipes are frozen on private property (from the property line into the home), you will be advised to contact a plumber. You may also incur fees for the emergency call out if after hours.