Winterize Your Property

DON'T WAIT FOR FROZEN PIPES TO HAPPEN - BE PREPARED!

Easy ways to prevent frozen pipes to reduce the chance for leaks and costly repairs

  1. Disconnect and drain all garden hoses from faucets & hose bibs
  2. Cover hose bibs with outdoor faucet covers
  3. Insulate all exposed pipes both inside and outside the home where cold unheated spaces are, including the crawl space, garage, basements, etc 

We frequently see frozen pipes in these unheated areas.

Suggested ways to insulate pipes

To prevent pipes from freezing, wrap them with pipe insulation, rags, towels or any other insulating materials. Cover them with plastic and secure it with plastic ties, string or wire.

Hose bib connected

KNOW HOW TO TURN YOUR WATER OFF

Locate your main shut off valve. If a pipe bursts anywhere in the house — kitchen, bath, basement or crawl space — this valve turns off all water and will save your home from flooding and costly repairs. In many homes, it is where the water line comes into your house from the street. Most are found in the garage, basement or outdoors near the foundation where there is also typically a hose bib.

Valves open and closed

Test your main shut-off valve so you are prepared in case of an emergency by turning the handle clockwise and confirming it operates, or if is a lever ball valve, the lever should be perpendicular to the pipe indicating a closed valve.

Be sure everyone in the family knows where it is, what it does, and how to use it!

Can’t find or don’t have a main valve shut-off? You can turn off your water at the meter box using a crescent wrench and screwdriver or meter valve key tool. Visit Your Meter for more information.

Always keep your meter accessible in case of emergencies.

WHAT TO DO… WHEN IT'S TOO LATE

If a water pipe breaks - immediately turn off the main water shut-off valve to minimize flooding and damage to your home. If you need assistance, call us for help at 360-668-6766. Please remember our crews are likely very busy during freezing emergencies so we may not be able to respond quickly enough to prevent flooding. 

How to thaw frozen pipes - locate the frozen area of the pipe and open the faucet nearest to it. Slowly try to thaw the pipe by soaking some old rags in hot water and wrapping them around the frozen pipe. When they cool off, repeat the process until the water begins to flow from the nearest faucet that was left open.               

DO NOT use open flames or electrical devices to thaw pipes. This is a safety hazard. 

What to do when you are away from home for an extended period of time

It is a good idea to turn off your water to reduce costly damage from an unexpected failure when you are away for an extended amount of time. 

  1. Turn off main water shut off
  2. Open all indoor and outdoor faucets to drain - remember the higher elevation parts of the home will drain first
  3. Flush each toilet once to drain the tank but not the bowl
  4. Continue to heat your home at a minimum temperature to prevent pipes from freezing in the walls
  5. Register for Eye On Water and set a Leak Alert

PLEASE REMEMBER

It is the consumers responsibility to protect, maintain, monitor, and repair the water pipes from the water meter all the way into your home. 

If you suspect the problem is at the meter, please give us a call at 360-668-6766.

The above are only suggested steps you may want to take, the District always recommends talking to a professional if you are unsure.