Hi. I'm Beth and I work for the Region of Peel
An important part of maintaining your home is to protect your water meter and pipes from
the impact of winter weather
When water freezes it expands, this may stop water from flowing to your taps,
may damage your meter or worse, cause pipes to burst.
When a meter or pipe bursts, serious water damage can occur, resulting in expensive repairs
and a higher water bill.
Remember, you are billed for the water going through the meter, whether it's caused by
normal usage or a leak.
Following a few simple steps may prevent higher water bills and expensive repairs.
You will also help protect the environment by not wasting water.
Now let's get ready for the cold weather.
In the fall, before the first frost, make sure to turn off the shut-off valve for all
your outside taps.
These shut off valves are usually located inside your home close to where the outside
taps are.
Don't forget to disconnect all garden hoses and to drain all outside taps.
As well, water pipes in your basement or crawlspace are more likely to freeze in cold weather,
especially if they close to an outside wall, window, draft or cracked foundation.
Take the time to go through your home and identify areas where pipes may freeze.
To keep the cold air out, seal these areas
Next we will go through the steps of protecting your water meter and insulating your pipes.
Let's start with the water meter
Its usually located in the lowest part of your home, that being the basement
or crawl space.
For help finding your water meter, watch our "Reading Your Meter" video found on our website.
Like your pipes, water in your meter may freeze. Your water meter has a frost plate at the
bottom that will crack if your meter freezes. This plate is designed to direct water onto
the ground and minimize damage
If there is any problem with your meter, call the Region of Peel for assistance
Protecting your meter begins with insulating the pipes on either side
There are a number of products on the market such as a thermostatically controlled heat
cables, heat tape and pipe insulation.
Choose what works best for you
Look for electrical products labeled with the Canadian Standards Association or
Underwriters Laboratories and use them only as specified by the manufacturer.
These same pipe insulation products can be used on any pipes you identified that may
be susceptible to freezing
For meters or water pipes located inside a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open to allow
warm air to reach them.
There are additional steps you may want to take if you are going to be away from home
for an extended period of time
Consider turning off the main water shut off valve
and draining your water system out through a sink or tap in the lowest level of your home.
This means there will be no water coming into your home and no water in your pipes that
could be susceptible to freezing.
It is also a good idea to maintain a consistent temperature of 15°C or 60°F in your home at all times
Another wise precaution is to have someone come into your home regularly to
make sure the heat is still on and that your pipes haven't burst.
Protecting your home is easy.
Completing these simple steps annually can prevent expensive repair costs
and higher water bills.
Remember, frozen water meters and pipes can waste water and cost you money.
I'd rather spend the money on a winter getaway - Wouldn't you?