City of Port Coquitlam Reminds Residents to Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

With nighttime temperatures continuing to drop this week, the City of Port Coquitlam advises residents to take precautions to prevent water pipes from freezing.
 
Frozen pipes can cause significant and costly property damage if they burst, potentially leaving homes without water for several days, depending on the extent of repairs required.

Residents are asked to follow the tips below, or consult a licenced plumber, particularly if pipes within their home are prone to freezing.

Prevent Your Water Pipes From Freezing

Tips to avoid frozen water pipes in the home:

• Know where to find your main internal water shut-off valve
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Outdoor faucets are often the first to freeze. Turn off all outside taps and drain the lines.
• Insulate pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing, particularly those near exterior walls and in crawl spaces, attics, and garages. Foam pipe insulation is available at building supply and home improvement stores.
• Open kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
• For added protection, residents may choose to run a pencil-thin stream of water to keep water moving in pipes that may be vulnerable to freezing. This should continue 24 hours a day until temperatures return to normal seasonal averages. Ensure drains remain clear to prevent overflowing or flooding.

If Your Water Pipes Freeze

If no water flows when a tap is turned on, pipes within the home may be frozen. Common locations include pipes along exterior walls, where the water service enters the home through the foundation, or the water service pipe between the property line and the house.

If attempting to thaw frozen pipes, residents should follow these precautions:

• Open a tap before thawing to relieve pressure and allow water and air to move as ice melts.
• Apply heat gradually and evenly to the suspected frozen area to reduce the risk of rapid expansion and pipe failure. Heat can be applied by warming the surrounding air or gently warming the pipe itself.
• Suitable heat sources include an electric heating pad, hair dryer, space heater, or warm towels. Do not leave electrical devices unattended, and do not use open flames, propane or kerosene heaters, or charcoal stoves.
• Thawing time can vary depending on outside temperatures and the extent of freezing and may take one to six hours.
• Once water flow is restored, check for cracks or leaks and turn water back on slowly.

Property owners are responsible for the water service pipes inside their own property, including those that are in private gardens, yards, driveways etc. It is important to ensure these pipes are adequately protected by ensuring that they are more than two feet beneath the surface, as per the Waterworks Regulation Bylaw.

Residents are reminded that if they need an external water shut off, the City should be called to operate the curb stop.  A resident or their plumber operating a curb stop who causes damage is liable for the costs of the repair by City staff. This can be a chargeable service.

For winter preparation tips, visit portcoquitlam.ca/snow, use the PoCo Sort and Report app to report any City service issues or email portcoquitlam.ca/report or call 604.927.3111.