As winter descends upon Toronto, here’s a crucial reminder to residents about safeguarding their homes against the harsh bite of freezing temperatures. One of the most common winter woes homeowners face is the risk of frozen water pipes, which can lead to significant property damage if left unchecked. In this blog post, we delve into valuable tips from the City of Toronto to help you fortify your home against the freezing cold and ensure your water pipes stay in top shape.
Preventing Frozen Pipes: A Toronto Resident’s Guide
1. Maintain a Steady Stream: Toronto advises residents to consider leaving a tap open enough to allow a pencil-thin stream of flowing water. This continuous flow prevents water in vulnerable pipes from freezing. The recommendation is to maintain this stream 24 hours a day until temperatures return to normal seasonal averages.
2. Circulate Warm Air: To prevent pipes from freezing within the home, open kitchen, bathroom, and laundry cabinet doors. This simple step encourages warm air circulation around plumbing, reducing the risk of freezing.
3. Secure Outdoor Faucets: Outdoor faucets are particularly susceptible to freezing temperatures. Residents are urged to unscrew any hoses, turn the outdoor water supply off, and let the taps drain. This precautionary measure helps protect exterior plumbing from the damaging effects of freezing.
4. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes: Identify and insulate pipes most prone to freezing, especially those near outside walls, in crawl spaces, the attic, and the garage. Adequate insulation acts as a protective barrier against the cold, ensuring your pipes remain functional even in the harshest conditions.
5. Seek Professional Advice: If your pipes are prone to freezing, the City of Toronto recommends consulting with a plumber. A professional can provide tailored advice on the best ways to protect your home based on its unique characteristics.
Steps to Thaw Frozen Pipes:
1. Turn on a Tap: In the unfortunate event of frozen pipes, turn on a tap in the basement, preferably the cold water faucet in the laundry room. This helps relieve pressure and facilitates the thawing process.
2. Use a Blow Dryer: Employ a blow dryer to warm the suspected frozen pipe for one to two hours. Regularly check the blow dryer to prevent overheating, ensuring a safe and effective thawing process.
3. Warm Towel or Rag: Wrap a warm towel or rag around the suspected frozen pipe to aid in thawing. The additional insulation assists in raising the temperature of the pipe.
4. Patience is Key: Depending on external temperatures and the extent of freezing within the pipe, the thawing process may take between one and six hours. Be patient and monitor the progress to avoid potential mishaps.
Additional Resources: For further information on dealing with frozen pipes, visit the City of Toronto’s official resource page: Preventing Water Pipes from Freezing
Conclusion: As the winter freeze takes hold, safeguarding your home against frozen pipes is paramount. Energy Clean is committed to assisting you in maintaining a warm and secure living environment. By implementing these preventive measures and promptly addressing frozen pipes, you can ensure a smooth and trouble-free winter for your home. Stay warm and protected, Toronto!
Source: https://www.toronto.ca/news/preventing-water-pipes-from-freezing-during-extremely-cold-weather/
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Scott Tizzard
President & Founder
Since 2013 I have been helping Canadians by providing the best in class heating and cooling solutions for their homes and businesses. I am hands on with my business and take pride in our work and craftsmanship. We look forward to taking care of your needs. Feel free to contact me directly.
