Once the temperature starts to consistently drop below 30 at night it’s time to act and prepare your home for the winter season. Follow the steps below given by South Tahoe Public Utility
Winterization tips to protect your home.
Dated: October 11 2023
Views: 38
Once the temperature starts to consistently drop below 30 at night it’s time to act and prepare your home for the winter season. Follow the steps below given by South Tahoe Public Utility District to keep your pipes freeze-proof.
- Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses.
- Insulate exposed pipes or faucets.
- Seal holes and cracks in exterior walls, foundation and around pipes
- Turn off and drain irrigation systems.
- Find your home shut-off valve and shovel regularly throughout the winter.
- If you don’t have a home shut-off valve, considering installing one.
- Make sure South Tahoe Public Utility District has your current phone number in case we need to contact you in an emergency. To update your contact info, call 530-544-6474 or visit stpud.watersmart.com
Vacant Home
Before leaving town:
- Turn off your home shut-off valve.
- Open indoor and outdoor faucets to drainpipes. Remember to close faucets once drained.
- Open all bedroom, bathroom and closet doors, and cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Keep thermostat at 65 degrees (as recommended by the Insurance Information Institute).
Frozen or Broken Pipes
If your pipes freeze:
- Open a faucet near the frozen point.
- Wrap frozen pipe with a towel.
- Repeatedly pour hot water over towel
Other things to do to prepare for wintertime:
· If you have a snowblower- make sure its tuned an ready to go for winter season. Check the oil, gas and tire pressure. Also check all snow removal devices- make sure they don’t have any cracks and are in working order.
· Make sure you have enough batteries and candles for when the power goes out.
· Make sure your car is ready for the wintertime- No matter what type of car you have you’ll need to make sure you have -20 degrees anti-freeze. Even though our lows are normally much higher than -20, every once in a while, we will see a cold front with below freezing temps.
· Get chains or 4-wheel drive looked at to ensure they’re functional. If you use studded snow tires on the California side of Lake Tahoe, they can be on your car from November 1 until April 30 only. On the Nevada side they are allowed from October 1 to April 30.
· Get your HVAC unit/fireplaces serviced and ready for use. Make sure all your ducting is secure and that all seals around your windows and doors are in proper order to keep heat in and costs down. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
· Make sure your gutters are clear of pine needles and leaves. If you have heat tape installed make sure it’s secured and is functioning properly. If your roof accumulates more than 4 feet of soft powder or 2 feet of condensed snow consider shoveling it off. If you see ice dams accumulating make sure you have perpendicular lines cut into it to let the water run and stop it from causing freeze back.
· Get to know your neighbors. If your ever in a pinch and need help they are your best resource.
Shannon Witt
Shannon is California born and raised and moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1998 to pursue her dream of an outdoor lifestyle. She fell in love with the small-town spirit that Lake Tahoe provided and lived ....
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