Warm conditions in December followed by this week’s cold snap are the perfect storm for frozen water pipes at some homes.

Saskatoon’s Director of Water and Waste says that has pushed the frost level low enough to reach some underground water connections.

Russ Munro says freezing can be prevented by running water inside and sealing up drafts in addition to insulating around basement connections.

He also suggests piling snow outside on top of the connection.

Munro says the frost level is about four feet below ground and shouldn’t cause major problems in the city since most connections are at about the six foot level.

He expects frozen pipes to become more of an issue at the end of this month and early February as the frost level creeps lower.