We certainly know how fortunate we are, weather wise, living in the South Okanagan. In fact, we are a popular winter snowbird destination for those wanting to have a warmer winter experience without the challenges of heading south of the border. However, we can still get a touch of arctic air now and then. Once the temps start dropping there are always those who get can get caught unprepared. We still live in Canada after all!
In preparation for the temperature dropping outside, you should take measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running. Research conducted by the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois shows that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, or - 6-7° Celsius, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space.
We all know that insulation, heat tracing waterlines and so forth is the place to start, but that may not always be possible. So if you are concerned about a cold snap, here’s what to do:
- Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks or pipes are on an exterior wall
- Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Do not lower your thermostat at night. The cost of the extra heating is way less than the cost of a broken water line.
- If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat at 13 to 15 degrees Celsius minimum. Remember this is the lowest, if you are concerned you may want to keep the temperature set a bit higher.
- Space Heaters; You can add a space heater to a room where pipes might be at risk. If you need to use one in the bathroom make sure it’s plugged into an outlet with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and do not use an extension cord. Use with caution.
If You Need to Thaw Pipes
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may well have a frozen pipe.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, you may want to call a plumber, because if the pipe has broken, you may end up with a flood.
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may well have a frozen pipe.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, you may want to call a plumber, because if the pipe has broken, you may end up with a flood.
If a pipe has broken, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, which is usually at the water meter or where the main line enters the house.
If the water is still running and no pipes have burst, you can take the following steps. (Of course, if you suspect a more serious problem, call a plumber!)
Turn on the faucet. As you warm the pipe and the ice plug begins to melt, running water through the pipe, even a trickle, will help melt ice in the pipe.
Turn on the faucet. As you warm the pipe and the ice plug begins to melt, running water through the pipe, even a trickle, will help melt ice in the pipe.
Apply heat to the section of pipe. A hair dryer, or heating pad can work, even a space heater can help. Use caution, be aware of any flammable materials, do NOT use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, or any device with an open flame; the high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to see whether you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
Call a licensed plumber if you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe.
Average temperatures in the South Okanagan, for your consideration
Osoyoos: Home to some of the warmest average temperatures in Canada - The average summertime temperature is around 28°C (82.4°F) and the average winter temperature is approximately 1.3°C (34.3°F) .
Oliver: The temperatures vary with summer averaging 34 degrees Celsius and winters rarely going below minus 12 degrees Celsius
Penticton: The month of highest temperature is August during which the average temperature reaches up to 21.0 °C | 69.9 °F. The month of January registers the most frigid temperatures throughout the year, with an average low temperature of -2.9 °C | 26.8 °F.
Penticton: The month of highest temperature is August during which the average temperature reaches up to 21.0 °C | 69.9 °F. The month of January registers the most frigid temperatures throughout the year, with an average low temperature of -2.9 °C | 26.8 °F.
