- Conserving Water Indoors
- Hydrant Security and Safety
- Cease the Grease
- What are Grease Traps (PDF)
- Best Management Practices (PDF)
- Fats, Oils and Greases (PDF)
- Drug Disposal (PDF)
- Approved Pump & Haul Septic Services (PDF)
- Your Household Plumbing
Protect Water Lines from Freezing
Ruptured water lines can cause extensive damage to a home. During the winter, home owners should take precautions to prevent water lines from freezing. Here are some simple tips to protect your home.
- Turn off the water to outside hose bibs, disconnect and drain the garden hose.
- Shut the main water valve off if leaving your home for vacation or holidays.
- Seal cracks in doors, windows and foundations.
- Open cabinets and closets that contain water lines to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Allow cold water to drip through faucets. Running or dripping water can help prevent water lines from freezing, however, even running water can freeze in sub-zero temperatures.
- Consider installing water pipe insulation. Local building supply stores carry a number of products designed specifically for this purpose. If you decide to use a heat tape, be sure it has the UL seal of approval.
- Check pipe insulation periodically to make sure that it is dry. Wet insulation can be worse than no insulation
Cloudy Tap Water
Commonly in the winter, you may notice that your drinking water appears cloudy. Milky water, also commonly described as cloudy or hazy, is almost always caused by air in the water. If you experience such water, fill a clear glass with water and set it on the counter. Observe the glass of water for one to three minutes. If the white color is due to air, the water will begin to clear at the bottom of the glass first and then gradually will clear all the way to the top. This is a natural phenomenon and is completely normal; the water is safe to use and drink.
