Winter in Ottawa is cold. There’s no denying it. But winter in Ottawa also brings us all little joys, like skating on the Rideau Canal, tobogganing, skiing, cozying up by the fire with a good book and bingeing the hottest new show while staying inside to avoid the cold.
With all that to keep you busy, the last thing you want is to worry about water service pipes freezing because of the cold. Should we say cold one more time?
The City of Ottawa provides clean, refreshing drinking water to more than 950,000 residents via more than 3,200 kilometres of underground pipelines. In some areas, water service pipes may not be buried deeply enough or be properly insulated, meaning they are at greater risk of freezing at this time of year. Approximately 2,000 Ottawa residents and businesses might be impacted by frozen water service pipes.
While the City maintains its water infrastructure from the road to your property line, homeowners are responsible for maintaining the pipes on private property. There are a few tricks you can use to protect water service pipes on your own property, in between episodes of your favourite show! Here are a few you should know:
- Insulate all pipes located near exterior walls
- Keep indoor air temperature above eight degrees Celsius throughout the winter
- Seal air leaks in your home and garage, especially in areas where pipes are located
- Visit ottawa.ca for additional tips to prevent frozen water service pipes
Ottawa has a long-standing reputation of providing high quality drinking water. Taking preventive steps now will ensure it continues to arrive at your tap so you can enjoy (or avoid) the cold all winter long.
