Winnipeg, MB - seven on the private portion of the pipe and one pipe on City property.
So far this winter (November 21, 2014, to January 5, 2015), there have been:
- four frozen underground pipes on a residential property owner’s private water service pipe, and
- zero frozen underground water pipes on City property.
City continues to monitor conditions
The City is vigilantly monitoring a number of conditions that contribute to frozen underground water pipes, such as frost depth and weather patterns. Based on all available information to date, the current frost penetration is estimated at less than 1.2 metres (3.9 feet). Frost depth is highly variable across the city, often differing from street to street.
The City will advise property owners directly if and when it becomes necessary to leave a tap running to prevent a frozen water pipe. Residents choosing to run water as a preventative measure without receiving direction from the City would be billed for the full amount of the water and sewer charges.
Property owners urged to weatherproof internal plumbing
The City urges property owners to ensure that the water pipes and plumbing inside their homes and buildings are protected from frigid winter conditions. Internal plumbing that is not protected can be vulnerable to freezing every winter.
Internal plumbing refers to any pipes, including fittings, valves and fixtures, which carry water from the point where the private water service pipe enters a building to the taps. Some of the measures that private property owners can take to protect internal plumbing are on the City’s website at City of Winnipeg - Frozen Water Pipes.
A summary report on the impact of cold weather on water infrastructure is on the City’s website at City of Winnipeg - Cold Weather Impact on Water Pipes. The report, updated weekly until further notice, includes average frost depth, number of reports of frozen underground pipes and frozen internal plumbing, and the City’s average thawing response time, which continues to be same day service.