With Environment Canada forecasting temperatures below 0C for the next several nights, the City of Surrey is reminding residents to take steps to safeguard their home's water supply.
Ways to help prevent any cold-weather damage include insulating water pipes in unheated areas, installing insulated covers on outdoor faucets, and shutting off/draining exterior water lines to prevent freezing, the city noted in a post on X.
Other tips include:
• Know the location of the main valve inside your house and ensure it works in case you need to quickly turn off the water.
• If you leave your home for a long time (i.e. to travel), set your thermostat to an adequate temperature and have someone check on your home every few days for signs of water lines freezing.
• If your water service has a history of freezing, consider leaving a tap trickling/dripping to keep water moving which may prevent freezing.
The trickle should be the size of a pencil point.
• If the building is metered, the owner is responsible for the cost of water use.
• If frozen underground lines outside the house are an annual problem, consider lowering them in the spring to a point below the frost line.
• Consult a plumber for further advice or assistance. Repair costs associated with frozen pipes are the responsibility of the homeowner.
For more details, such as what to do if a water line freezes or bursts, visit surrey.ca/services-payments/water-drainage-sewer/water/frozen-water-lines