Water Tips from Toronto Water

• Turn off the outdoor water supply

• Turn off the outdoor water supply and drain taps before the first freeze – because burst water pipes waste water and can cause expensive damage.

• Insulate pipes that are most susceptible to freezing, especially near outer walls and in crawl spaces and the attic.

• During especially cold weather, consider leaving a tap open enough for a trickle of water so there is some movement of water in pipes that might be vulnerable to freezing.

• Clear debris from eavestroughs and downspouts.

• Seal window wells and fix any cracks in basement walls, because cracks can lead to leaks.

• Keep rain and snow away from the building's foundation.

• Clear roadside leaves and other debris off sewer grates near your home to ensure snow melting during winter thaws can drain freely into the sewer.

• Clear snow from around fire hydrants to keep them visible and accessible to Fire Services and Toronto Water personnel.

• Avoid piling snow around a fire hydrant or throwing it onto the road when shovelling the driveway and sidewalks.

• Disconnect your downspouts from the sewer system.