It's been a pretty warm fall, but cold weather is on the way. Truckee Meadows Water Authority is warning residents that now is the time to protect yourself from frozen pipes by winterizing your home.
The Truckee Meadows Water Authority wants to be clear that people need to winterize their water systems right now. "It's a really good idea to know where the shutoff valve is for your house as well as your sprinkler system. If any emergency happens like a busted pipe, you can quickly turn it off before any significant damage happens," said TMWA Supervisor of Conservation Laine Christman.
Sprinklers are out late this year with the warmer weather. TMWA says sprinkler systems and pipes are usually the first to freeze, so you need to be proactive. "Whats going to happen is that water is going to freeze. It's going to expand and then it's going to start breaking pipes," said Christman.
You want to make sure automated sprinklers are off, the system's supply line is closed, and that you use a water key to open drain valves to empty water out in the system so it doesn't freeze."You can identify the gate valve by the cross handle on the top. The key fits over the top and you can spin it one way or another," said Christman.
TMWA says people also need to detach and empty hoses, close off vents to the house, insulate pipes in crawl spaces, and at all times keep the thermostat above 55 degrees. You can also open cabinets under sinks to warm pipes in those spaces as well.
"People think you need to keep your water running a little bit when you're gone on vacation in order to keep water flowing and keep water from freezing. I would not advocate that. Basically as long as you keep your house at 55 degrees that ambient air is going to keep your house from freezing," said Christman.
If an emergency strikes, and you can't find the shutoff valve. You can always shut it off at the water meter or call TMWA to have them do it.
TMWA is holding a Zoom winterization workshop on October 27, 2020.
