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