Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg today provided an update on the number of reports of frozen water pipes. So far this winter, there have been:
- Sixty-seven (67) frozen underground pipes on a residential property owner’s private water service pipe.
- Four (4) frozen underground water pipes on City property.
- 402 reports of no water due to frozen internal plumbing.
Most customers’ frozen underground pipes have been thawed before the end of the following day and the number of reports coming in has started to decline as the weather has somewhat improved.
While the City will assist in pinpointing the location of a freeze-up that is causing a property to lose water service, owners of single-family properties are responsible for the costs of thawing their private water service pipe and all internal plumbing.
Internal plumbing refers to any pipes, including fittings, valves and fixtures, which carry water from the point where the private water service pipe enters a building to the taps.
City continues to monitor conditions
The City is monitoring a number of conditions that contribute to frozen underground water pipes, such as frost depth and weather patterns. Based on all available information to date, the current frost penetration is estimated at 1 to 1.2 metres (3.2 to 4 feet). Frost depth is highly variable across the city, often differing from street to street.
The City will advise property owners directly if and when it becomes necessary to leave a tap running to prevent a frozen water pipe. Residents choosing to run water as a preventative measure without receiving direction from the City would be billed for the full amount of the water and sewer charges.
Property owners urged to weatherproof internal plumbing
Property owners should ensure that the water pipes and plumbing inside their homes and buildings are protected from frigid winter conditions. Internal plumbing that is not protected can be vulnerable to freezing every winter.
The public is encouraged to take the following preventative measures to keep their plumbing from freezing:
- Insulate areas of your home containing water pipes, including crawl spaces, garages and attics.
- Insulate water pipes (both hot and cold) near the exterior walls, especially those facing north.
- Weather-seal your windows.
- Check for air leaks around electrical outlets, dryer vents and pipes. Seal these leaks with caulking or insulation to keep cold air away from your pipes.
- Heat areas of your home containing water pipes.
- Keep the garage door closed if there are water pipes inside.
- Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near outside walls.
For assistance with thawing frozen internal plumbing, property owners should contact a plumber or follow these do-it-yourself tips.
More information is available at City of Winnipeg - Frozen Water Pipes.
A report on the impact of cold weather on water pipes is available at City of Winnipeg - Cold Weather Impact, including last winter’s statistics.
The report will be updated weekly on Fridays until further notice.