MONTREAL — A highly sought after machine is being used around the clock in Montreal these days.
The DBH Thawing Machines or similar devices, are being used to melt frozen water pipes leading to people’s homes.
The Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough in Montreal owns one machine, and officials said it’s been operating almost non-stop.
Some residents have to wait up to 48 hours before city workers come out to their homes to thaw out frozen pipes.
It’s been used at least a dozen times this past weekend according to a spokesperson at the borough — and there’s a waiting list.
How does a thawing machine work?
The machine sends electric currents to buried frozen water pipes, on both public and private property, to melt the ice and get water flowing again.
Workers dig holes in the ground and then use metal poles to reach the pipes that can be buried up to two meters down.
What’s the problem?
Normally, the pipes are deep enough to prevent freezing, but the extended freezing temperatures are causing a lot of ice jams in the pipes, which in turn are cutting off all drinking water to homes.
While home owners wait for workers to melt their lines, the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough is providing free water to home owners with frozen pipes.
What about other areas?
In the borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, the frozen pipe problem is equally as bad.
Officials told Global News the borough has two thawing machines, which are both in heavy demand.
So far, the borough has at least 20 cases of people requesting the sophisticated devices in order to thaw out frozen pipes.
How do I get a thawing machine?
Montreal residents can call 3-1-1 to request a DBH Thawing Machine or a similar device if their water pipes are frozen.
The service is free.
Alternatively, home owners can call a plumber to do the job and avoid a potentially long wait.
However, a private plumbing service must be paid for by the home owner.
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