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Fall is a good time to prepare for winter. Every winter season, homeowners in mountain communities are at risk of the damage and expense caused by frozen pipes. However, just a few precautions can greatly reduce your risk.
DISCONNECT AND DRAIN ALL OUTDOOR HOSES
Detaching hoses from outdoor faucets allows water to drain from the pipe.
INSULATE PIPES OR FAUCETS IN UNHEATED AREAS
If you have pipelines in an unheated garage or cold crawl space under the house, wrap the water pipes before temperatures plummet.
SEAL OFF ACCESS DOORS, AIR VENTS AND CRACKS
Winter winds whistling through overlooked openings can quickly freeze exposed water pipes. Just don't plug air vents your furnace or water heater need for proper ventilation. Read More>>>
If you are going to be away from your mountain home for an extended period of time, the water should be turned off.
Homes usually have a shut off valve where the water line comes into the house form the street. All homes have a District shut off at the meter. However, the best scenario is to have a Customer Shut Off Valve on the customers property, just outside the Districts meter box. Please remember before vacating your home, turn off your water at the Customer Shut Off Valve. Also remember that only authorized company personnel may turn your water meter off and/or on. To have the meter valve shut off, please call the company at (909) 338-1821.
A Customer Shut Off Valve installed near the meter offers the best protection.
Once your water is turned off, open and drain all household and irrigation lines. Any trapped water can freeze causing pipes to expand and break.
Once all the lines have been drained it is important to close all household and irrigation lines again before leaving your home.
Keep in mind that maintaining low heat in your home does not necessarily ensure that your pipes will not freeze. This is especially true if you are not a full-time resident. If you have any questions about winterizing or a Customer Shut Off Valve, please contact our customer service staff at (909) 338-1821. |
