It is the coldest December 20th in almost a hundred years and pipes and heaters around the city are taking a beating.
Local plumbing and heating companies have had their phones ringing off the hook for the last few days during the cold snap, and with temperatures breaking -40 this morning things are getting worse before they get better.
“The calls have been crazy,” said Valarie Marsh, a Mainline Plumbing and Heating manager.
She said teams have been working hard over the cold snap, prioritizing broken heaters to prevent people from freezing.
“We are trying to get to as many calls as we can in a day,” Marsh said.
“It could be six to eight hours before we get there, but we do try and get there.”
Marsh also gave a couple tips to keep yourself off their call list.
“Keep a space heater or a blow-dryer under your cabinet. You can leave your water on in a small trickle in all your taps so it keeps flow. If it keeps flow, there is less chance of freezing.”
If the pipe is already frozen you can still use a space heater, but it may also be out of your hands at that point.
“Cold snaps are common in the north, stay proactive,” she added.
“Make sure your heat tape is working, everything is insulated nicely, it helps prevent situations like this.”