Winnipeg, MB - As colder temperatures are expected over the next few days, residents with a temporary hose line connection are encouraged to wrap a towel around their outside taps to help prevent freezing. This applies to both properties where the hose line is connected (supply and receiving end).
If a temporary hose line freezes, residents should contact 311. If the hose line is leaking, turn off the supplier’s outside tap, contact 311 and wait for a City crew to thaw the hose line. If the outside tap is frozen and can’t be turned off, try wrapping the outside tap in hot wet towels or pouring a cup of hot water on the tap. This should "thaw" the outside tap enough to turn it off until crews arrive.
Citizens should not use a propane heater or open flame device (e.g., blow torch, candle, butane lighter) to thaw a water pipe, temporary hose, or the outside tap. Citizens are also advised not to use heat guns, hair dryers, heating pads or any other electrical appliances to thaw frozen pipes. Leaking water could cause an electrical shock.
This year, Winnipeg has experienced a sudden and dramatic increase in frozen water pipes due to prolonged periods of frigid temperatures and deeper-than-usual frost penetration into the ground. This is Winnipeg’s coldest winter since 1898 and the frost is currently at an average of about seven to eight feet deep below pavement surfaces.
For more information about frozen pipes, please visit winnipeg.ca/frozenpipes