Every winter some Calgarians experience frozen water pipes which can result in water outages. The City’s Frozen Pipes Prevention Program works proactively with homes considered at higher risk due to factors such as location, depth and configuration of water pipes, and history of freezing.
However, recently we have noticed an increase in frozen pipes in homes that are typically at a lower risk, where taking some of the steps below could have prevented household pipes from freezing.
- Keep your thermostat at a minimum of 15°C, even if you’re away from home.
- Eliminate any cold drafts in unheated areas where water supply lines are located. This can include basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and under bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
- Repair broken windows, check doors, and insulate areas that allow cold exterior air to enter.
- Insulate your hot and cold-water pipes located in cold areas.
- Open interior doors and cabinets in cold areas to allow heat from the house to warm unprotected pipes.
- Turn off, disconnect, and drain the water line to outside faucets, garden hoses, pools, or decorative water features.
- If your hot water tank is in a maintenance room outside of your home, make sure the area is adequately heated.
- Regularly run water in your pipes through everyday use.
Visit calgary.ca/frozenpipes to learn more, including actions you can take if you suspect you have frozen pipes.
