Should I let a tap drip in extreme cold?

A slow drip on a tap fed by a cold wall keeps water moving and makes freezing less likely. It's a sensible step during the coldest nights.

Who thaws a frozen service line?

Usually a plumber. If the freeze is on the city's side of the property line, the city may handle it, so check first.

Frozen Pipe Repair · Regina, SK

Frozen Pipe & Service Line Repair in Regina, SK

Regina's winters can bring weeks of deep cold. When that happens, frost reaches pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawl spaces, and sometimes the water service line itself.

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One tap or all of them?

If one tap is dry while others run, a pipe inside the house has probably frozen, often in an exterior wall or under a sink on an outside wall. If nothing runs at all, the freeze may be in the service line or at the meter, which needs a plumber's equipment to thaw.

Thawing safely

Open the tap the frozen pipe feeds, then warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, a heater kept well clear of anything that can burn, or warm towels, starting near the tap. Never use a torch or open flame in a wall or basement.

Service lines

Service lines are buried below normal frost depth, but long, extreme cold spells can drive frost deeper, especially under cleared driveways and sidewalks where snow cover is thin. Electric thawing or hot water equipment is used to clear them; it isn't a do-it-yourself job.

When a pipe splits

As the ice melts, watch and listen for leaks. If you see a spray or hear water running, close the main at once. The damaged section has to be cut out and replaced.

Preventing a repeat

Ask the plumber which pipes run on the cold side of the insulation and whether they can be moved, insulated or protected with heat cable. Sealing drafts around the rim joist and where pipes enter the house helps a lot.

Getting help

Tell the plumber which taps are dry, where you think the frozen section is and whether any water has escaped. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.

Know your weak spot

Most houses have one pipe that freezes first. If you know yours, give it extra protection on the coldest nights: an open cabinet door, a slow drip or a safe heater nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Should I let a tap drip in extreme cold?: A slow drip on a tap fed by a cold wall keeps water moving and makes freezing less likely. It's a sensible step during the coldest nights.
Who thaws a frozen service line?: Usually a plumber. If the freeze is on the city's side of the property line, the city may handle it, so check first.

Other plumbing services

Emergency PlumbingBurst pipes, flooded basements and sewer backups.Drain & Sewer CleaningSinks, floor drains and main sewer lines cleared and inspected.Hot Water Tank ServiceGas and electric tank repairs, replacements and tankless.Backwater Valves & Sump PitsBackwater valves, sump pumps and protection from storm backups.Acreage & Cabin PlumbingWells, pressure tanks, septic lines and seasonal cabins.Leak RepairFinding and fixing leaks in walls, ceilings and basements.Bathroom & Basement RenovationsBasement development, bathroom renovations and fixture repairs.

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