Krissy Vann
Presenter, Beat the Traffic
Wednesday, December 24, 2014, 9:11 AM – The winter season is here and many have started getting prepared. Winter tires have been purchased, shovels are at hand, salt is readily available but one questions remains. Is your home ready?
he first threats we often associate with the Canadian winter are the snow and ice, but cold temperatures can result in problems for your household. If you lose power and subsequently, the heat in your home you are at risk for frozen pipes.
Regional Director at PuroClean, Will Southcombe says damage from frozen pipes can have dramatic financial implications.
“When [frozen pipes] break, the water gets out and gets into the home and leaves water damage throughout. Sometimes the frozen pipe is filled with ice so it doesn’t leak and doesn’t show the water until it thaws out later on. So sometimes you get a surprise in the spring when you get a water leak," Southcombe explained. "Water is very destructive inside of a home. It damages property. If it’s not taken care of promptly and properly, it will lead to mold, which is an ongoing issue. Financially even a small break that runs for several hours will end up being $5000 or so to get it dried up and then another $10 000 to get it rebuilt.”
It’s not just the polar vortex that needs to be feared when it comes to the threat of frozen pipes. As soon as the thermometer hits the freezing mark your home is at risk.
“Windchill doesn’t affect the freezing of water inside a pipe, but the colder it gets the greater the risk.” Southcombe said. So how do you get your home ready to fight off frozen pipes? These are some steps you can take.
Always 'winterize'
Make sure that your house is 'winterized.' If you have a sprinkler system or a pool with lines in the ground to supply water or take water away be sure to drain those before the season comes as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Be sure your home is weather-tight. Check the caulking on the windows and the seals on the doors.
Insulating is important
If you have any pipes down in the basement or crawl spaces that are not insulated you can go to any hardware store and get insulating material to place around the pipe. It's a great barrier against freezing as it helps keep the pipes at the right temperature.
Turn the master valve off
If you are going to be away for more than a day turn the master valve off. It’s a nuisance when you come home and turn on the tap and no water comes out, but it is a small price to pay to keep your home secure.
If you do find yourself suddenly without power or heat in your home, don't fret.
"Turn the taps on so just a bit of water runs out," Southcombe said. "The moving water of course is liquid and will help prevent the lines from freezing.”
