Calls to Utilities Kingston about frozen water services have increased due to the unusually cold weather. We have called in contracted resources to assist our customers and help ensure a reliable supply of water. Utilities Kingston reminds customers to keep an eye on indoor plumbing to prevent internal water lines from freezing during bitter cold spells.

If your water service has already frozen, view our tips on what to do.

PREVENTATIVE TIPS

Did you know? As the weather gets milder, frost can potentially be driven deeper, putting your pipes at increased risk of freezing!

The private water service (the pipe that brings water from the municipal water main to the home) is the home owner or landlord’s responsibility. Consider these tips to prevent problems with frozen internal plumbing and avoid costly issues with your privately-owned water service:

• Leave a thin (one quarter inch) stream of water flowing from a cold water tap to make sure water runs through uninsulated/unheated pipes at risk of freezing. While our customers' water conservation efforts are important and appreciated, this is a last-resort suggestion that can help a building owner avoid costly issues with their privately-owned water service. Consider placing a sign on the tap to remind occupants to leave the water running.
• If you suspect that your pipes are frozen, don't delay, call a licensed plumber right away.
• Locate your master shut-off valve at the water meter. Ensure it is accessible and operating. This way you’ll know how to quickly turn off the water if a pipe bursts.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses so that water can drain from the pipe.
• Exposed plumbing pipes in exterior walls of your home, unheated basements and crawlspaces could be at risk. Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas like crawl spaces and basements. Avoid direct pipe contact with exterior walls.
• Seal cracks (for example, around windows) that let air in, which could potentially blow on exposed pipes. Ensure doors and windows are fully closed.
• Consider installing frost-free outdoor faucets.
• If you’re going away, turn off the master shut-off valve and drain the pipes, including external taps.
• Consider other systems in your building, including water heaters and water softeners, as they may be affected when your water is off.
• When in doubt about internal plumbing issues, consult with a licensed plumber.

CHECK YOUR PLUMBING

To check your pipes:  touch exposed cold water pipes, for example in your basement or under the kitchen sink. If a spot feel unusually cold (or colder than in other spots) take measures to provide heat. However, don't delay in calling a plumber, as the problem can get worse.

Measures you can take include insulating pipes and external walls or opening cupboard doors to improve warm air flow. If you have a frozen internal plumbing pipe, try using a hair dryer to thaw it. (Safety first: never leave a heating device unattended and be careful not to weaken plumbing joints.)

BE PREPARED

1. The City of Kingston emergency management plan suggests that each household has at the ready four litres of fresh water, per person, per day for drinking and bathing.
2. Know the number to call: report utility emergencies to us by calling our 24 hour line at 613-546-1181.
3. Stay informed: you can keep up-to-date with service disruptions by following Utilities Kingston on Twitter and Facebook, or by checking http://www.utilitieskingston.com

Customers are reminded to call a licensed plumber to deal with internal plumbing issues.

Review more winter safety reminders from Utilities Kingston

Related article: Deep Frost, Freeze-Thaw Increase Water Main Breaks: http://utilitieskingston.com/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=264