Deep freeze leads to water issues for residents

In some cases, the resident didn’t know where the shut-off valve to their water supply was located.

James King, the acting maintenance superintendent, field operations for Environmental Utilities, says the first place to look for that valve is along the foundation of the home that faces the street.

“Generally the water lines will come through the foundation or through the basement floor somewhere in the region of the front wall, facing the street,” says King.

He says there should be a shut off valve fairly close to the floor or within a reasonable distance from the floor.

That valve shuts off the entire water supply to the residence.

King says most of the problems with frozen pipes happened in unheated areas, like crawl spaces or cupboards.

Residents should make sure there’s no broken windows that allow the cold to enter the space, to open doors to cupboards and crawl spaces, and to use space heaters if necessary.

The city of Medicine Hat web site has a link to helpful information on preventing pipes from freezing.

by Brian Konrad

Deep freeze leads to water issues for residents

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