Hose bib
- Turn off the internal water supply to your hose bib and remove and drain garden hoses.
Keep space around transformers
- Transformers are those green or grey boxes on some front yards next to the sidewalk. If you have one on your property, you must make sure it's not blocked. To work safely, our crews need room and solid footing. The area needs to be clear of trees, shrubs, decorative rock, or other landscaping features. Learn more about transformers.
Underground sprinklers
- Contact a qualified contractor to winterize and clear the water supply pipes to prevent damaging the underground sprinkler system.
Keep space for fire hydrants
- Do not park in front of a fire hydrant and ensure there aren't trees, plants, fences, or other landscaping features too close to it. Learn how EPCOR can help you with hydrant maintenance programs.
Report trees on power lines
- If you see any downed trees on power lines in your community, report it to EPCOR immediately, and if you're worried about a tree growing too close to a power line, you can request a tree trimming.
Sump pump
- Pumps with discharge valves require the exterior valve to be in the closed position and the valve connected to the sewer system in the open position. For exterior discharge hose, disconnect it. If your sump pump only discharges to the surface, disconnect your discharge hose and install a splash pad to drain water away from the foundation. Learn more about sump pumps.
Prevent frozen water lines
- Turn off outside taps, remove connected hoses, and check to ensure pipes are insulated. Learn more about preventing frozen pipes.
Clean eavestroughs / downspouts
- If water can't run through your gutters and downspouts, it can spill over, causing pooling next to your foundation. This may lead to basement flooding. Water should be able to drain at least 2 meters from your home. Learn more about eavestroughs maintenance.
Store rain barrels
- Drain your rain barrel and store it upside down so it does not collect snow over the winter months. Ideally, you should keep your barrel in a shed or garage as barrels left outside in the winter may crack. Learn more about maintaining your rain barrel.
Clean window wells
- Clear out leaves, dirt and debris from your window wells that may prevent your window wells from properly draining. Learn more about window well maintenance.
Backwater valves
- Check and clean your backwater valve. Learn how to maintain your backwater valve.
Tree and shrub maintenance
- Safely trim trees and shrubs to keep them away from power lines. If trimming your tree or shrub requires you to work within 7 metres of an overhead power line running power pole-to-power pole, call us at 780-412-4500 and request a Safety Codes consultation.
Accessible curb stop (CC) valve
- The curb stop (CC) valve, found on your driveway or front yard, must be clear and accessible so we can access it during an emergency or to turn water off per your request. Learn more about the CC valve.
Catch basins
- Help keep water moving and clear debris, ice, and snow from the catch basin near your house. Report damaged catch basins to EPCOR. Learn more about catch basins.
Water shut off valve and leaks on your property
- Check for any water leaks on your property as part of your regular maintenance and ensure that your water shut off is functional.
Ladders around power lines
- When cleaning gutters, trimming trees, or putting up Christmas lights, look for overhead lines first. Never work too close to power lines.
Swales and grading
Inspect and clear debris for proper water flow. If foundation seepage is present, remove 1.5 metres of snow and ice around the perimeter of the foundation.
