# Burst or frozen pipe in Toronto: what to do first

> A burst or frozen pipe in Toronto: the main shutoff, when 311 shuts the water off, who owns which pipe, and thawing a pipe safely before the plumber.

- Canonical HTML: https://www.jackmanmechanical.com/guides/burst-or-frozen-pipe-toronto/
- Section: Home > Guides > A burst or frozen pipe in Toronto
- Business: Jackman Mechanical Ltd., Toronto, ON, Canada (serves Toronto, North York, Mississauga, Markham, Ajax)
- Phone: (416) 888-1371 | Text: (289) 639-2754 | Email: jackmanmechanicallimited@gmail.com
- Page updated: 2026-10-20

---

Guide

For a burst pipe in Toronto, close the main water valve, usually on the foundation wall where the water pipe enters the home, just before the meter. If it will not close, call 311: the City shuts the water off at the property line for a fee. Thaw a frozen pipe with a heating pad, hair dryer or warm towels, never a flame. A guide from Jackman Mechanical Ltd., Toronto.

## What do I do first when a pipe bursts?

1. **Close the main water supply valve**: , also called the stop and waste valve. The City says it is typically on the foundation wall where the drinking water pipe enters the home, just before the water meter [(City of Toronto)](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/your-water-pipes-meter/water-related-help-advice/pipe-leak-or-burst/).
2. **If the valve will not close**: , call 311. Toronto Water staff will turn the water off at the property line and arrive within two hours. There is a fee, someone must be home to let them in, and requests cannot be made online.
3. **Call a plumber**: for the repair: Jackman Mechanical at [(416) 888-1371](tel:+14168881371), any hour.

*Illustration of a typical installation, not a drawing of a specific job.*

## Who owns which pipe in Toronto?

**The water service pipe in Toronto: who owns and repairs it**

| Section | Owner | A break there |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Watermain on the street to the property line | City of Toronto | The City shuts the water off and repairs it, with no fee for the repair. |
| Property line into the home | The property owner | The owner repairs it. There is a fee to turn the water off and back on. |
| Every pipe inside the home | The property owner | Private property: a plumber repairs it. |

Source: [City of Toronto, pipe leak or burst](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/your-water-pipes-meter/water-related-help-advice/pipe-leak-or-burst/).

## How do I thaw a frozen pipe safely?

From the City of Toronto's frozen pipe page [(City of Toronto)](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/your-water-pipes-meter/water-related-help-advice/prevent-or-thaw-frozen-pipes/):

1. If a pipe has burst or may burst, turn off the main water supply.
2. Check the likely spots: pipes along exterior walls, and where the water service pipe enters through the foundation.
3. Open the basement cold water tap, preferably in the laundry room, so water can flow as the ice melts.
4. Thaw the pipe with a heating pad, a hair dryer or warm towels, and do not leave the heater unattended.
5. **Never use a blowtorch, propane heater or any open flame.** The City calls them dangerous fire and carbon monoxide hazards.

Thawing can take one to six hours. If there is still no water after that, the City suggests a licensed plumber, or calling 311; if the frozen pipe is on private property, City staff will tell you to contact a plumber. Tenants report no water to the landlord or property manager first.

## How do I stop pipes freezing?

- Keep areas with water pipes above 8°C, especially near the water meter, and keep garage doors closed if pipes run through the garage.
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages and attics.
- Disconnect outdoor hoses, shut the outdoor tap's own valve if it has one, and open the outdoor tap to drain it.
- Open kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinet doors so warm air reaches the plumbing.
- When nighttime temperatures drop below -15°C, you may run a pencil-thin stream of water from vulnerable taps; you are charged for the water used.
- Find the main shut-off valve now and make sure it works.

All from the same [City of Toronto page](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/your-water-pipes-meter/water-related-help-advice/prevent-or-thaw-frozen-pipes/), which also says to ask a plumber for advice if indoor pipes often freeze. For a pipe that keeps freezing, send a [plumbing repair](https://www.jackmanmechanical.com/residential/plumbing-repairs/) request with a photo of where it runs.

## Not in Toronto?

Mississauga, Markham and Ajax shut the water off differently. Each has its number on its [city page](https://www.jackmanmechanical.com/areas/).

Published by Jackman Mechanical Ltd., Toronto. Updated October 20, 2026. Free to share and quote, with a link back to this page.

## Water coming in?

Close the main valve, then call, any hour.

[Call (416) 888-1371](tel:+14168881371)

## No water at all?

Text a photo of the pipe where it enters the house to (289) 639-2754.

[Text (289) 639-2754](sms:+12896392754)

---

Jackman Mechanical Ltd.: plumbing, gas and heating for homes and businesses in Toronto, North York, Mississauga, Markham and Ajax. Call (416) 888-1371. Full site: https://www.jackmanmechanical.com/