Costs incurred by Utilities Kingston to thaw water service lines depend on a number of factors and are charged based on time and materials.

For thawing services

Determining who is responsible for the cost of thawing a water service line depends on one of the following scenarios:

1. Where it is determined that only the private water service line is frozen or that the freezing of the water service line originated within the privately owned piping: the building owner is responsible for the cost incurred by Utilities Kingston to thaw the service.
2. Where it is determined that only the municipal water service line is frozen or where the freezing of the water service originated within the municipally owned piping: the building owner is not responsible for the cost incurred by Utilities Kingston to thaw the service.
3. Where a property owner or occupant attempt to thaw a frozen water service on their own or through the use of a contractor/plumber that is not under the direction of Utilities Kingston, the owner or occupant, as applicable, will be responsible for all associated costs.

Flat rates 

The flat rates for running water, where the meter has been rendered inoperable (flat rate, unmetered), are available from the water schedule, available from the water rates page.

Further information 

For details about specific costs relating to your individual situation, please speak with our supervisor of billing and customer care, by calling 613-546-1181, extension 2309.