NLIS 1
March 14, 2003
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

 

The following is being distributed at the request of the Office of the Fire Commissioner:

Safety advisory on thawing frozen water lines

The Office of the Fire Commissioner would like to remind residents and business owners that the practice of using a welding machine for the purposes of thawing frozen water lines is hazardous and a number of municipalities prohibit the activity.

Over the past few years this province has experienced a number of fires, resulting in property damage, caused by the use of welding machines in thawing frozen water lines. The property damage is not only limited to the homeowner who has the frozen water lines. In some case�s fires and damage to electrical service equipment have occurred in neighboring structures.

There are a number of approved methods to thaw frozen water lines including steam and/or hot water jets inserted into the pipe and the use of C.S.A. approved electrical equipment. Homeowners are advised to consult qualified personnel to carry out the required work.

Homeowners are reminded that water pipes within the home can be thawed with hair dryers and heating pads. Open flame devices such as blow torches should not be used.

Caution should be exercised to prevent the rupture of piping due to overheating the water inside the pipe resulting in steam burns and scalding.

For further information contact the Office of the Fire Commissioner

Deer Lake                            (709) 635-4153
St. John�s                            (709) 729-1608
Grand Falls - Windsor           (709) 292-4414

Media contact: Lynn Hammond, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2003 03 14                                       9:00 a.m. 


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