This Weather Can Cost You; Frozen Pipes

Dear Readers,

If there is one thing we can send you right now, it has to be some warmth! With Toronto (and surrounding areas) heading into yet another ‘polar vortex’ deep-freeze, everyone is looking for ways to not only stay warm but to stay safe as well! And not to mention, looking for ways to prevent frozen pipes!

1. Maintain an indoor temperature of 18-20°C or 64.4-68.0°F. Reducing the temperature at night and warming it back up in the morning actually uses more energy due to the furnace having to reheat the entire building/house.
2. Ensure proper insulation on all exterior walls and pipes. Exterior walls are exposed to the most amount of cold. Any air leaks will compromise the warmth that surrounds the pipes. All types of insulation (foam pipe-wrap, expanding spray foam, fiberglass, etc.) can be found at any home builder store.
3. Shut off the main water line if your home/office will be unoccupied for an extended period of time. Be sure to open all taps to drain the residual water from circulating pipes.

1. Do NOT use a torch. Using a torch is both a fire hazard, and can cause more harm than good. Instant thawing of a frozen pipe can reduce its durability drastically, causing it to burst.
2. Use a space heater or blow dryer to warm the suspected frozen area.Keep the heat source at a safe distance from its surroundings to avoid potential fires. Be sure to check the heater/blow dryer frequently to make sure it has not over heated.
3. Place a warm towel or rag around the suspected frozen area. The direct application of warmth will speed up the thawing process.

See more tips from the City of Toronto here: Frozen Water Pipes.

ProFire Safety Services holds over 15 years experience in sprinkler system installation, retrofit and repairs. Call ProFire today to make sure your building is safe from these deep-freeze temperatures!