With freezing temperatures continuing in North Bay next week, many homes are at risk of frozen - or burst - pipes. Temperatures are predicted to hit the minus 20s this upcoming week.
Extreme weather can wreak havoc on our homes, even when they are used to cold temperatures. From broken furnaces to burst pipes, there’s an array of inconvenient and expensive issues. Homes left alone are at risk if their heating isn’t scheduled to stay on.
If you suspect your water service is frozen, you should call Public Works Dispatch at 705-474-4340. City crews will be dispatched to investigate at no charge.
If the frozen water pipe affecting you is on City property, there is no charge for thawing the pipe one time only.
Thawing of a frozen water pipe on private property is the responsibility of the property owner.
North Bay charges a flat fee for thawing of water service of $400 during regular hours, or $680 after hours, for a maximum of three hours, successful or not. Property owners can also opt to hire a contractor. Homeowners will be required to pay for water consumption should they choose to run their water to prevent the service from refreezing. Water used to prevent freezing will be billed according to the most current by-law rate.
Colleen McGrory, from HomeStars.com, a company that will hire repair workers for you, says “Cold weather can wreak havoc on our homes and outside spaces. As always, preparing for the weather in advance is always the best option - but there are also some last-minute jobs you can do to protect your home.
“Frozen pipes are a particular problem and can cause plenty of issues with leaks long after the cold weather has left.
Protect your outdoor faucets
Frozen outdoor faucets can add serious pressure to your internal pipes. It’s good practice to disconnect any hoses over winter and drain any outside water supply, as well as insulate any outdoor faucets. Keeping your faucets safe in the winter is simple with a 20-dollar faucet jacket from retailers. This simple insulated protector cover can save you from a whole host of problems if the worst were to happen to an exposed outdoor faucet.
Know where your main shut-off valve is - and turn your water off
If you have an emergency from a broken outdoor faucet, you’ll quickly need to know where your shut-off valve is located. This is normally found near your foundation wall and close to the water meter. If you think you won’t find it easily, consider adding a tag to it so it can be quickly found in an emergency. It’s also advisable to turn your water off at the valve if going away for a lengthy period, especially over the winter months, as this will prevent any leaks or burst pipes.
Regular furnace service
The last thing anyone needs when the temperature plunges is a broken furnace. An annual furnace service will ensure any potential issues are nipped in the bud. Should your furnace break during freezing weather, you’ll not only be facing a cold house, but it could lead to burst pipes should the water inside them freeze.
Keep your heating on low or use a timer
Keep your thermostat on around 15 degrees when away from your home. While it’s understandable that homeowners don’t want to spend money on heating an empty home, it’s important to maintain a reasonable temperature while you’re away, as temperatures as low as 14 internally can lead to frozen pipes. Make sure that the coldest part of your house won’t dip below this temperature. If you don’t have a thermostat, you can use the timer on your furnace for the heating to come on for a short time per day.
Install smart technology
Another option for a thermostat or timer is using smart technology to control the temperature of your home. You can use the smart thermostat to set the temperature you prefer, wherever you are and whenever you want. Smart thermostats allow you to remotely set the temperature and timings of your heating system, meaning that you can change it as and when you need.
Insulate
Insulating the colder parts of your home will help prevent freezing pipes from colder temperatures. You can insulate your pipes internally and externally, exterior walls, water tanks, and your attic space. Good insulation also protects your home from hot weather, so it’s worth the investment. Pay particular attention to any pipes that are most likely to freeze, such as those located near exterior walls or in the basement. Insulating furnace blankets and pipe covers can be purchased from hardware stores and are effective at protecting pipes and reducing energy bills.
Manage airflow at home
To help keep your home at a consistent temperature, allow warm air to pass through the house via open internal doors. If your tanks or pipes are in cupboards, leave your cupboards open to allow warm air to circulate too. You should also ensure your home is protected from any cold air from outside. It’s worth adding draft excluders to any doors and windows if they’re letting the cold in. Seal air leaks and gaps around your home - apply weather strips to close gaps in your doors and windows to stop cold air from getting in.
If your pipes do burst you will need to contact an emergency plumber to fix it, but make sure to turn off the main water supply valve ASAP!