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PO
Box 3347, 777 Cottonwood Drive, Crestline, CA 92325-3347
Telephone:
(909) 338-1727 - FAX: (909) 338-4080
Serving
water to the Crestline and Lake Gregory
area
since 1954.
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Getting Ready
for
Winter Weather
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The winter months are here and the
threat of freezing temperatures will increase the possibility of frozen
and broken water lines at your premises. If this occurs, it can mean,
at the very least, an interruption of your water service, and if a water
line breaks, it could cause damage to your house and property, wasted water,
and a very expensive water bill. If the District is required
to make a service call, you may incur a service charge. To
help prevent problems this winter, we suggest the following measures:
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PROTECT YOUR WATER LINES: Check
all your water lines, from the meter to the house, to be sure there are
no exposed lines or fixtures. This includes any lines that may be
in the build up area under the house, the attic area, any lines that are
in the outside walls of the house, and any other lines that may be located
in unheated areas, such as a garage. They should be sufficiently
insulated to prevent freezing.
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DISCONNECT AND DRAIN OUTDOOR HOSES.
All hoses should be disconnected from outside faucets.
A single hard, overnight freeze can burst either the faucet or the pipe
it's connected to.
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LOCATE AND USE YOUR WATER SHUT-OFF
VALVE: Check for the location of your water shut-off valve and make
sure it is convenient and working. The use of this valve is very
important in preventing damage to your property. We recommend that
your shut-off valve be located as close as practical to the customer's
side of the meter box. DO NOT use the District's shut-off valve
in the meter box. This valve is reserved for District use and
if it is damaged by unauthorized use, you will be charged for its repair,
and it could cause a delay if the District has to turn off your water in
an emergency. Also, DO NOT remove the dirt or other insulating
material from around the water meter, as it helps protect the meter
from freezing.
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LEAVING YOUR HOUSE: If you leave
your house for an extended period of time and leave the heat on,
we suggest that you also turn the water off at your shut-off
valve. If you turn the heat off, then the water should be
turned
off at your shut-off valve and the lines drained.
Normally, your hot water heater does not need to be drained, if it has
a gas pilot that is left on.
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MINIMIZE DAMAGES: If you depend
on gas or electricity for heat to prevent your lines from freezing, be
aware that these utilities can be interrupted, especially during storms
or emergencies, and your premises may be without heat for an extended period.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT, if you leave your house for a period
of time that the water is turned off at your shut-off valve.
If your water lines freeze and break, water damage could be minimized
and
you may not incur a large water bill.
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FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS: For those
of you who have fire sprinkler systems and choose to leave them active
during your absence, you must make sure that your water lines and fixtures
are protected from freezing. If you shut the water off, the sprinkler
system may be inactive.
WHAT IF IT'S TOO LATE? What if
you wake up one day to find the pipes are frozen anyway? During an
extended cold spell, it could happen despite precautions.
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Have the plumber's telephone number
handy. Write it down before you need it in an emergency.
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If you think you know where the frozen
portion of pipe is and want to try thawing it yourself, do not under any
circumstances use a torch with an open flame! The whole house could catch
fire. Also, overheating a single spot can burst the pipe. Heating
a soldered joint could allow it to leak or come completely apart.
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The easiest tool is probably a hair
dryer with a low heat setting. Wave the warm air back and forth along
the pipe, not on one spot. If you don't have a hair dryer, you can
wrap the frozen section with rags or towels and pour hot water over them.
It's messy, but it works.
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Be careful because the pipe may already
be broken. It's not leaking because the water is frozen. When
you thaw it out, water could come gushing out. Be ready to use your
shut-off valve if necessary.
It is the responsibility of each property
owner and resident to protect their premises from freezing weather and
to maintain the water lines on their property. We recommend that
the water lines, hot water heater and fixtures be inspected on a regular
basis and that the water be turned off at your shut-off valve any time
that you are gone from the property for an extended period of time at any
time during the year. If you do have a water emergency,
please call the Water District for assistance at 338-1727.
We hope that our suggestions will help you avoid expensive repairs, a high
water bill, and a service call charge.
Crestline Village
Water District
PO Box 3347, 777 Cottonwood Drive
Crestline, CA 92325-3347
(909) 338-1727
FAX: (909) 338-4080
E-mail address: cvwater@cvwater.com
Web site: www.cvwater.com
Comments or questions - contact
us at: cvwater@eee.org
Page last updated: 07/16/2002
by KBD