Don’t Let Your Water Pipes Freeze

31 December 2022

In winter, water pipes in your home can freeze leaving you with no water or cause your pipes to burst, which can cause property damage. The City of Toronto has some tips to help you avoid frozen pipes during cold weather.

• Locate your main water shut-off valve inside your home and add a tag or label to it, so it is easy to locate and turn off quickly if pipes burst in your home.
• 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.
• Insulate pipes in your home most prone to freezing including near outside walls, in the basement, or in a garage with an outside water supply. Use foam pipe covers available from building supply or home improvement stores.
• Keep the house warm even if you’re away to prevent indoor plumbing from freezing, especially in the area near the water meter.
• When temperatures are below -15C for a few days, you can choose to keep the water moving in your pipes by running a pencil-thin stream of cold water from a tap in the lowest point of the house e.g. a sink or tub in the basement. Ensure the drain is kept clear of debris to prevent overflowing or flooding. However, if you choose to take this step, you will be charged for the water you use.

More tips including a video on ways to avoid frozen pipes available at toronto.ca/frozenpipes