The City of Kimberley reports that many homes in the city are currently experiencing frozen utility lines due to the weather.

“A combination of recent cold weather, less snow cover than previous years for ground insulation and rapidly warming temperatures is resulting in utility pipes freezing at numerous locations throughout the city,” the city stated on social media this morning (March 11).

The city provided information for those experiencing frozen water and sewer lines.

PREVENTING FROZEN WATER AND SEWER SERVICE LINES

If the water service line to your home has ever frozen or you have noticed a reduced water flow in your home during the winter, leave one tap running cold water day and night (stream should be the size of a pencil). This will help to prevent your lines from freezing.

Since frost sinks deeper into the ground when air temperatures rise after a period of extreme cold, you will need to keep the water running 24/7 until mid-April to avoid having the line freeze.

The city encourages residents who have experienced frozen water service lines in the past to be pro-active by ensuring indoor lines are properly insulated, keeping a good snow cover over the ground above the service lines and installing a bleeder line system.

Your sewer line is also at risk of freezing.  If you notice the water in your sink or bathtub draining slower than usual, please run hot water down your drain to see if drain flow improves. If it does, continue to run hot water down your drain several time a day until the weather changes and the cold snap has passed.

If hot water does not improve the flow, contact a plumber.

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