Extreme Weather - Frozen Pipes and Carbon Monoxide Awareness 

With another day of extreme cold hitting the province, the City of Regina reminds residents that pipes in your home can freeze in frigid weather. This can leave you with no water or cause your pipes and/or water meter to burst, leading to expensive property damage.  

Here are some tips to help you protect your pipes and water meter from freezing: 

• Heat areas of your home containing water pipes so that warm air will prevent them from freezing.
• Set the thermostat no lower than 12°C (55°F) at night and when you are away. Ensure the area where pipes are near exterior walls and the area near your water meter does not fall below 5°C (41°F).
• Keep the garage door closed if there are water pipes inside.
• Open kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
• If a pipe freezes and bursts, turn off the water shut-off valve  
• If leaving your home for longer than a 24-hour period, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and open the taps to drain the water from your plumbing lines. Have someone check your home daily to ensure the heat is working.

Extreme cold weather causes furnaces and heating appliances to work overtime. Chimneys and vents can also build up frost or ice causing a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) in your home. CO detectors are the most effective, low-cost, early-warning device available to alert you to the presence of CO in your home. CO detectors should be located on each level of your home and within five (5) metres of sleeping rooms. 

For more water and carbon monoxide related tips, please visit Regina.ca.