When temperatures begin to lower in the fall, it's time to get ready 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 (and may even help with your winter heating efficiency).

Vacant Home? Turn Off Your Water!

Homes should have a "customer" shut-off valve just outside the District's meter box at the street.  All homes have a "District" shut-off valve before the meter.  Before vacating your home, always turn off your water at your customer shut off valve, located next to the water meter and District valve.  It is not necessary to have the District valve shut off if your customer valve is shut off and operational.  Please remember that ONLY authorized District personnel may turn off/on the District water meter shut-off valve.  If you need help or can't locate your customer valve, contact the District office.

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 sure if you are not a full-time resident.  If you have any questions about winterizing or your customer shut-off valve, please contact the District office.

 Disconnect and Drain

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.  Don't plug air vents.  Your furnace and water heater need proper ventilation.

Find the Master Shut-Off

In case of a leak, everyone in the family needs to know where it is and what it does.  It's usually where the water line comes into your house from the street.

Remember, all water that passes through the meter is the homeowner's responsibility, even water lost due to frozen or broken pipes.