The Jefferson Communities Water System (JCWS) offers
residents the following tips for preventing property damage during freezing
weather:
Before Freezing Weather
JCWS encourages all customers to turn off irrigation systems during the winter months to help conserve water. However, property owners that continue to operate landscape irrigation systems are asked to shut their systems off in order to prevent possible freezing of pedestrian areas and damage caused by freezing conditions.
If a water line breaks and the cut off valve does not work or the customer is unable to locate or operate the valve, JCWS is available to turn off the water. Call the JCWS office at (850) 997-0314.
Before Freezing Weather
- Wrap
all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home.
- Remove
garden hoses from outside faucets. Insulate outside faucets with Styrofoam
cover, rags or paper.
- Cover
vents around the foundation of your home.
- Know
where your property owner’s cut-off valve is located and how to use it. Apply
oil such as WD-40 to the cut-off valve before operating to prevent the valve
from breaking. The valve is located adjacent to the water meter box under a
6" metal lid.
- Drip
outside faucets 24 hours a day (5 drops per minute). This is not necessary unless temperatures are
expected to be 28 degrees or below for at least 4 hours. (Be sure to
turn off the faucets after the threat of freezing weather.)
- Open
cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.
- In
unheated garages, shut off water to washing machines. Water softeners should be
drained and protected from freezing temperatures.
- In
sustained sub-freezing weather, let water drip slowly from inside faucets.
- Take
extra precautions to protect pipes that have frozen in the past.
- Shut
water off at the property owner’s cut-off valve.
- Drain
all outside water faucets if your house will be unoccupied for several days
(leave outside faucets open).
- Or,
leave home heating system on at a low setting.
- Open
cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.
JCWS encourages all customers to turn off irrigation systems during the winter months to help conserve water. However, property owners that continue to operate landscape irrigation systems are asked to shut their systems off in order to prevent possible freezing of pedestrian areas and damage caused by freezing conditions.
If a water line breaks and the cut off valve does not work or the customer is unable to locate or operate the valve, JCWS is available to turn off the water. Call the JCWS office at (850) 997-0314.