With the cold weather we've been seeing for the last week, a danger to homeowners in this weather is the potential for water pipes to burst.

Numerous pipe bursts have been reported during this cold snap, with two water mains in High River having broken in recent weeks.

If you suspect a pipe in your house may be frozen, open cabinets under sinks to make sure heat can flow in to thaw the pipe.

Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe.

Good alternatives are hair dryers or space heaters.

In case of a burst or leak, shutting water off can be key to preventing water damage, so knowing where the shutoff valve is located is extremely important.

Shutting off the water completely when away from home is also an effective measure to prevent bursts.

Of course, if a pipe does break, it's important to consult the help of a professional.

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