Winterizing Tips

Winter temperatures in Lake Tahoe dip below freezing and into single digits. Don’t wait for the damage and expense of frozen pipes. By taking a few precautions you can greatly reduce your risk of frozen and broken water pipes.

Prepare Your Home For Winter

• Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses
• Insulate exposed pipes or faucets
• Seal holes and cracks in exterior walls, foundation and around pipes
• Turn off and drain irrigation systems
• Find your home shut-off valve and shovel regularly throughout the winter
• If you don’t have a home shut-off valve, considering installing one
• Make sure South Tahoe Public Utility District has your current phone number in case we need to contact you in an emergency. To update your contact info, call 530-544-6474 or visit mywater.stpud.us

Vacant Home

Before leaving town:

• Turn off your home shut-off valve
• Open indoor and outdoor faucets to drain pipes. Remember to close faucets once drained.
• Open all bedroom, bathroom and closet doors, and cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom
• Keep thermostat at 65 degrees (as recommended by the Insurance Information Institute)

Frozen or Broken Pipes

If your pipes freeze:

• Open a faucet near the frozen point
• Wrap frozen pipe with a towel
• Repeatedly pour hot water over towel

If your pipes break:

• Turn off water at your home shut-off valve. If you cannot turn the water off, call 530-544-6474 for help 24 hours a day. Nights, weekends, and holiday calls will incur charges

Winterizing Tips (November 2018)  Shelly Thomsen – Water Conservation Specialist