FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jennifer Poland
Public Information
(760) 228-6267
[email protected]

                                     December 30, 2014
Winter Storm Advisory
Yucca Valley, CA - With snow in the forecast for today and tomorrow, Hi-Desert Water District (HDWD) would like to remind everyone to make sure their homes are winterized.  By winterizing a home, this can prevent any leaks that may occur as a result of freezing temperatures.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for our local area.  Temperatures are expected to drop to the 20's which is below the freezing temperature for water.  To avoid any potential leaks, it is important to ensure that all outdoor pipes are properly insulated and buried.  This also includes the water supply pipe that connects a home to the water main located in the street.  This service pipe may potentially freeze, blocking water flow to a home. If this occurs, please allow the pipe time to defrost.

Below are some helpful tips on how to winterize your home or click here to download a detailed brochure about winterizing.

 

OUTSIDE

  • Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
  • Turn off the water to swamp coolers and drain the line.
  • Insulate exposed irrigation system lines.
  • If you have a shut-off valve for outside lines, shut it off and drain for the 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're gone or shut off the water at the customer service valve and leave a faucet on to allow for expansion of water in the lines. If you do turn the water off 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.  

HDWD asks customers to report any leaks that may occur in streets or any other public area by calling (760) 365-8333.  If a leak occurs on private property, please notify the owner or call a licensed plumber as soon as possible. 
 
If you would like more information, contact Hi-Desert Water District at                 (760) 365-8333 or e-mail [email protected]. 

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Hi-Desert Water District was formed in 1962. It provides water service to about 10,000 customers in the Yucca Valley and Yucca Mesa areas.  The mission of the district is to provide a safe, reliable water supply and Wastewater Reclamation System for its customers in an efficient and financially responsible manner. For more information about Hi-Desert Water District visit www.hdwd.com.