Mainlander Property Management Blog

Cold weather can wreak havoc on your water pipes. When pipes freeze, they can crack. When pipes thaw, water coming out of those cracks can turn into a big mess. Knowing how to prevent your pipes from freezing and knowing how to shut off your water in the event that your pipes break is a major key to getting ready for the winter weather.

Before freezing weather

• Disconnect and drain hoses from outside faucets.
• Turn off and drain irrigation systems and backflow devices. Wrap backflow devices with insulating material.
• Cover outside faucets with insulation or newspaper.
• Cover foundation vents with foam blocks, thickly folded newspaper or cardboard.
• Insulate hot and cold pipes in unheated areas, such as the garage, crawl space or attic.

Shutting off your water

You and your family should always know how to shut off your water in case a pipe breaks, or in another water-related emergency. There should be a valve near the house. Look in the following places:

• In the crawl space or basement, where the water line enters the home.
• In the garage where the waterline enters the wall or ceiling, near the water heater or laundry hookup.
• Outside near the foundation, often protected by a concrete ring or clay pipe.

Some houses may not have a water shut-off valve.

For help with finding your water shut-off valve or for more information about preparing your pipes for cold weather, call your local water company.

Preparing for the unexpected

Do you and your family have a disaster plan and 72-hour kit? Having essential supplies on hand will make you and your family prepared for emergencies, whenever they may occur. For more information on emergency preparedness, visit the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue’s website at tvfr.com and click on “Safety Tips” or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Information provide by:

Water Words – A joint newsletter from the Tualatin Valley Water District and Clean Water Services  (November-December 2010)