Homeowner Maintenance Guide

Markham distributes drinking water to your home and collects wastewater. As a homeowner, you can help make sure your water service is effective and reliable!

Who's Responsible for What?

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

Turning Water On or Off

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.

Important: Be prepared in case of an emergency! Know where your homes main indoor water shut off valve is located and test it to make sure it works. 

Note: Most shut off valves are located in the basement, near your water meter.

Call Before You Dig

Whether you’re building a fence, planting a tree, putting in a new garden or doing any other project that requires digging, you must contact Ontario One Call at least five days before starting any work to request utility locates. It’s free and it’s the law. 

Why Is This Important?

Knowing what’s located underground prevents damage to utility lines. Digging safely can protect you from:

• Injury to yourself or others
• Damage to your property
• Expensive repairs
• Loss of essential services

Contact:

Call 1-800-400-2255 or visit OntarioOneCall.ca to submit a locate request or for more information.
 

Curb Box Inspection

A curb box is your property’s outdoor water shut off valve that’s owned by the City. It looks like a round metal plate approximately 10 centimeters in diameter located on your front lawn, driveway or sidewalk. Always keep this valve accessible in case of an emergency. If you’re planning an outdoor project, you must call the City to request and inspection of your curb box before starting any work.

Think Before You Pour

Protect your pipes from blockages or breaks:

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

F.O.G belongs in the green bin, not down your sink or toilet. Learn more about how to protect your pipes from F.O.G.

Household Hazardous Waste (H.H.W)

H.H.W, like chemicals or paint can corrode your pipes and harm our drinking water. Never pour down your drain, toilet or in a stormwater sewer. For safe handling and proper recycling, drop off household products that contain chemicals to a H.H.W Depot.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

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

Low Water Pressure

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.

Prevent Sewer Back-ups and Flooding

Heavy rainfall or melting snow puts stress on our sewer systems, which can lead to flooding in our community. Learn more about how to protect your home from flooding.

 

For More Information

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