How to Handle a Burst Pipe During an Ontario Winter

Shut off the water

Find your main shut-off valve, usually where the water line enters the basement near the meter, and turn it off. Every household member should know where this valve is.

Deal with electricity

If water is coming through a ceiling near light fixtures, or pooling near outlets, turn off power to that area at the panel if you can do so safely.

Call a plumber, then arrange drying

A plumber repairs the pipe. Water that has already escaped needs to be removed and the structure dried, often including wall and ceiling cavities.

Prevent frozen pipes

• Keep the heat on, even when away
• Insulate pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawlspaces
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior taps in fall
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps
• Let a faucet drip during extreme cold