Cold Weather Preparedness
Winterizing Tips
Helpful tips to get your home and irrigation systems ready for the winter!
Being prepared can make all the difference when you have moments to react. There are many precautions you can take now to help minimize impacts later.
Before Freezing Weather Arrives
- Disconnect and drain hoses from outside faucets. Cover or wrap outside faucets to prevent them from freezing.
- Turn off and drain irrigation systems and backflow assemblies.
- Cover foundation vents with foam blocks.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as the garage, crawl space or attic.
- If your home is unoccupied for an extended period, you may want to seek additional information about winterizing your home.
- Having a few local Plumbers phone numbers on hand can come in handy in case your pipes break and your unable to fix them.
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is also crucial in case of a burst pipe.
Preparing Irrigation (Sprinkler Systems)
- Shut off main water supply.
- Drain all the water from the pipes, this is usually done with an air compressor to blow out all the water.
- Run Each Zone: Manually run each zone from the controller (or open the zone valves) one at a time, allowing air to push water out until only mist comes from the heads.
- Drain Manual Systems (If No Compressor): Open all manual drain valves at low points in the system to let water escape.
- Turn off the Controller
- Insulate exposed parts with foam pipe insulation to protect them from freezing.
- Call a local landscaping company if you need assistance Blowing out your Irrigation system.
During Freezing Weather
- Open cupboard doors under sinks, especially where plumbing is in outside walls, to let interior heat warm the pipes.
- Setting the thermostat at 55 degrees may help prevent your pipes from freezing.
- If you’re away for any length of time, shutting off the water can reduce the chances of broken pipes. Call Deschutes Valley Water District (541)-475-3849 to turn off water at the meter.
- Be a good neighbor. If a neighbor is away or you’re next to a vacant house, notify Deschutes Valley Water District (541)-475-3849 if you suspected a leak.
- In extreme weather, temporarily keeping a steady drip of cold water at an inside faucet farthest from the meter. This keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.
Pipes Freeze
- NEVER thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame. You may start a fire and at the very least, your pipe will burst.
- Use hot air from a hair dryer or a heat lamp.
- If a pipe is frozen, assume it may be broken and will leak when it is thawed.
- A local hardware or home improvement store may carry leak repair supplies.
Pipes Break
- Call Deschutes Valley Water District (541)-475-3849 to come shut off your water at the meter. However, our crews cannot help fix broken pipes between the water meter and the house or inside the house.
- If your pipes break and you need assistance fixing call a local plumber.