Cold Winnipeg weather freezes pipes on private properties

A total of 49 Winnipeg property owners have reported having no water because of frozen internal plumbing since Nov. 21.

The city says there has been one recent report of a frozen underground pipe that involves a residential property owner's private water service pipe. It was thawed by the city the same day.

There have been no reports of a frozen water pipe on City of Winnipeg property.

The city is urging property owners to protect their pipes from freezing temperatures by insulating or heating areas with water pipes, electrical outlets, and vents.

Frozen pipes can be thawed by home owners — do not use open flame, space heaters, hair dryers, heating pads or electrical devices — by plumbers, or by the city, which charges $305.

Property owners are responsible for all costs associated with thawing pipes, or running a cold water tap at a trickle to stop pipes from freezing.

The city says it will advise home owners when it becomes necessary to leave a tap running.