Prepare Your Home for Freezing Temperatures

Cold frigid temperatures are predicted to hit the Mother Lode the next couple of days. According to the National Weather Service, the Mother Lode can expect low temperatures to drop into the mid 20’s by early Tuesday morning. Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) would like to remind customers to make sure their home and property is ready to withstand freezing temperatures.

“Taking time now to do some preventative measures can ensure that you will have water flowing to your home or business, also saves water and money from pipes that can burst,” states Tom Scesa, General Manager for TUD. “We encourage our customers to take steps to insulate their pipes and protect them against freezing temperatures.”

Here are a few tips:
• Outside faucets, pipes and pipes in unheated garages and crawl spaces are most vulnerable to freezing weather. To prevent pipes from freezing, wrap them with insulating material. Cover them with plastic and secure with tape, string, or wire. Also, remember to disconnect garden hoses.
• Find your main water shut-off valve now! If a pipe breaks, you can stop excessive water loss and flooding by turning off your main water shut-off valve. It is commonly located next to the meter, in the garage, or outdoors by the foundation.
• Store some extra water during freezing weather in case a main break or frozen pipe cuts off your water supply.
• Do not keep water running to keep pipes from freezing.