As the winter season approaches, the Bethpage Water District Board of Commissioners Gary S. Bretton, William J. Ellinger and John R. Sullivan remind residents to take action to protect their pipes, sprinkler systems and meters against the damaging effects of freezing temperatures.
“It is important residents act now before the outdoor temperatures begin to plummet,” said Board of Commissioners Treasurer Gary S. Bretton. “Freezing temperatures can put residents’ homes at risk of flooding if they do not take the proper precautions to winterize pipes, sprinkler systems and meters.”
To help residents protect their homes and avoid costly repairs due to weather damage during the cold months ahead, the District offers the following preventative tips:
- Drain and turn off all sprinkler systems to prevent damage to sprinkler pipes.
- Drain all outside faucets and turn off any outside water to prevent freezing and breaks.
- Check your water meter pit cover to ensure that it is securely bolted down and that the cover is intact.
- Shut off and drain water service lines to unheated structures such as fountains and outdoor sinks until spring to prevent service line breaks.
- If faucets are fed from water pipes that are located on the outside wall, let cold water drip from the faucet overnight. This will ensure that the pipes don’t freeze due to the constant flow of water.
- Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach un-insulated pipes, or wrap any un-insulated pipes.
- Disconnect garden hoses
For more information, please contact the Bethpage Water District at 516-931-0093, or visit the District’s website, www.bethpagewater.org