Winterize your property....

The last thing a property owner wants to experience is the sloshing of water as they enter their property.  Frozen pipes happen when proper precautions are not taken.  That is why it is important to take proactive steps to protect your property - before it happens.  An improperly winterized swamp cooler, exposed pipes and even leaving a property vacant with the heater off can cause pipes to freeze and break.  To prevent broken pipes from spoiling your winter fun, take these precautions to help prevent this from happening to you.  First and foremost, know where your customer shut-off valve is located, so that you can quickly shut-off your water if an emergency does occur.

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or you require a professional to help, the following steps are worth the time and money.

OUTSIDE

• Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
• Turn off the water to swamp coolers and drain the line.
• Insulate exposed irrigation lines and pipes.
• If you have a shut-off valve for outside lines, shut it off and drain for winter
• Wrap outside faucets with insulation if they aren't drained.

INSIDE

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas in crawl spaces, the attic or basement.  Use insulating tape or molded pipe sleeves.  Fire sprinkler lines are especially vulnerable during a freeze.
• Leave your furnace on a low setting while you are gone or shut off the water at the customer service valve and leave a faucet on to allow for expansion of water in lines.  If you do turn off the water to the entire property while you are gone, be sure to turn off the power or gas to your water heater to avoid damage to the heating element, and to avoid possible fire.

IF YOUR PIPES FREEZE -

• Never use an open flame or electrical device to thaw lines.  Instead microwave a towel and wrap the pipe or let the sun thaw it.  Watch the lines for leaks as they are thawing.
• If you have no water, call June Lake Public Utility District at (760) 648-7778 (24 hours/7 days a week).

IF YOUR PIPES BREAK -

• Shut-off your water at the meter using the customer service valve (the valve closest to the house).  If you cannot shut-off your water call June Lake Public Utility District at (760) 648-7778 (24 hours/7 days a week)