Early cold snap freezes dozens of water pipes in Winnipeg

Though winter temperatures have only just begun to chill Winnipeggers to the bone, water pipes inside several homes have already succumbed to freezing.

• Special Feature: Winnipeg water crisis, winter 2013-2014

Twenty-three reports of frozen internal pipes havebeen reported by residentsthis winter, all in the last week, the city said.

On Friday afternoon, the City of Winnipeg urged property owners to take action to prevent pipes from freezing.

The city's recommendations to property owners included:

• Insulating water pipes, crawl spaces, attics and garages
• Weather-proofing windows
• Weather-proofingleaks around dryer vents, electrical outlets and pipes with caulking or insulation
• Keep areas in your home with water pipes warm
• Keep garage doors closed
• Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow pipes access to heat

The city said property owners with frozen pipes can enlist the help of contractors to help thaw pipes.

Many of the frozen pipes last winter were caused by frozen city pipes leading to properties. There are no reports of that so far this season.