Homeowner Maintenance Guide

The City and homeowners have a shared responsibility for underground water lines. Markham maintains the portion of pipes that stretch from the water main to the municipal property line, while you are responsible for pipes that run from the property line into your home.

Markham's Responsibility

• Service (Curb) Box: Protects the curb stop valve and should be secured and level with the ground. Never touch or cover it.
• Curb Stop Valve: Located underground, this valve controls the flow of water from the water main to your property.
• Remote Meter Reading Device: A small box mounted on the exterior of your property that allows the City to take meter readings without entering your home.
• Water Mains: More than 1,000 kilometres of underground pipes throughout the City that carry water to water service lines.
• Service Connection: The part of the pipe that runs from the water main to the curb stop valve in front of your property.
• Water Meter: Records the volume of water you use.

Property Owner's Responsibility

• Water Service Line: Pipe that runs between the curb stop valve and your property.
• Indoor Water Shut-off Valve: Shuts off the water supply to your property.
• Indoor Plumbing: The system of pipes, drains, fittings, valves and fixtures in your home that distribute water.

Property owners must provide clear access to their water meter at all times. Tampering or altering your water meter is prohibited under the City’s Water Use By-law 2019-53

Your home’s main shut off valve is used to turn water on or off during emergency or repair work. If your valve needs to be fixed or replaced, you can request to have your water turned on or off at the curb. Fees apply.

Protect your pipes from blockages or breaks:

Fats, oils and grease (F.O.G)

Cold weather can freeze your pipes. Properly preparing your home for winter can protect you from expensive property damage resulting from a burst pipe.

How to Prepare Your Pipes for Winter:

• Shut off your outdoor water supply from inside. Open outdoor taps to allow water to drain out
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses and nozzles. Prepare sprinkler systems, pools and spas for the cold by following the manufacturers guidelines
• Use a pipe sleeve to insulate pipes that are near an outside wall, crawl space, attic or cold room
• Seal areas near your pipes where cold air can enter
• Keep all areas of your home warm, especially those where indoor pipes run

If you’re travelling, protect your pipes from freezing while you’re away:

• Leave your heat on. Set the thermostat to a minimum of 15 C (59 F)
• Shut off your main indoor water supply and drain all taps. Turn off your water heater to prevent it from burning out
• Ask a friend or family member to check up on your house, especially during extreme temperatures

Signs of a Frozen Pipe:

• Frost, condensation or swelling on pipes
• None or reduced water flow from taps
• Unusual sounds coming from your toilets, sinks or plumbing fixtures.
  

Note: other taps in your home may still work if connected to a pipe that's not frozen.                                                            

What to do if a Pipe is Frozen:

1. Shut off your home’s main indoor water shut off valve
2. Open all taps
3. Try to locate the frozen pipe. If you’re able to find it, slowly defrost by following these tips:

• • Expose the pipe to open air
  • Wrap it with a heating pad
  • Warp it with rags and pour hot water

Never use:

• An open flame like a candle or blowtorch. Overheating can burst the pipe or start a fire
• An electric heater or hair dryer - you can get electrocuted

What to do if a Pipe Bursts:

1. Shut off your home’s main indoor water shut-off valve
2. Open all taps
3. Place a bucket under the leak until the pipe can be repaired
4. Call a plumber as soon as possible

There can be many reasons for low water pressure. Try fixing the problem on your own:

• Water softener: set it to bypass and test your water pressure again — if water resumes, you may have an issue with your softener and should contact your private service provider.
• Aerators: these are the screens on the tips of your faucets — remove and clean them to get rid of any buildup.
• Main shut off valve: check to make sure it's open.
• Pipes: look for signs of a frozen pipe.

Contact us to: 

Request:

• Curb box inspection
• Turn water on or off 

Report:

• Low water pressure
• Odd tasting or smelling water
• Street flooding or basement flooding

Customer Service 

905-477-5530 or customerservice@markham.ca

For after hour emergencies

905-477-7000