The Idyllwild Town Crier's Annual Guide to Better Living

Homes & Land Improvement - Spring 2009 - Page 9Drought won’t stop deep freezes — protect pipesBy J.P. CrumrineAssistant EditorWith the prolonged wetperiods we’ve had this winter,many people, even somefull-time residents, have experiencedfrozen and possiblyburst pipes. But evenwhen precipitation is notfalling, freezing temperaturesmay create the sameresults. To prevent domesticflooding and alarmingwater bills, the water districtgeneral managers haveseveral recommendationsfor protecting homes andwater systems.The same message wasfirst and foremost on eachmanager’s list. “I’ll echo mycolleagues. Make sure peopleshut water off wheneverthey leave the Hill,” advisedSteve Erler, Fern Valley WaterDistrict general manager.Each manager suggestedthat homeowners inspecttheir water pipes. Eachpipe, especially those exposedto outside air, shouldbe insulated and wrapped.Underground plumbing,if deep enough, shouldbe safe, according to PineCove Water District GeneralManager Jerry Holldber.And Idyllwild WaterDistrict General ManagerTerry Lyons stressed wrappingoutside faucets downto the ground.The inside of the houseshould be inspected, too.With no heat, pipes can stillfreeze during a prolongedtemperature drop. Drainthe pipes and open faucets,especially in the kitchen andbathroom. There is environmentallysafe antifreeze,which could be poured intotraps and toilets beforeleaving, Holldber said.The water heater couldbe vulnerable, Lyons noted.Both the cold and hot waterpipes should be insulated.He also thought attentionshould be given to turningit off, if the house will bevacant for an extended period.“Not only is it wastingenergy, but if a pipe breaksor the tank leaks, it will godry. Then an empty tank isstill being heated and couldbecome a damaged waterheater,” Lyons said.Checking the box wherethe district and the residentialsystems meet isanother recommendation.The valves in the box canbe insulated with sawdustto keep them from freezing,according to Lyons.IWD sent a $4,000 billto a customer whose waterpipes broke a few wintersback.“They used enough waterfor 50 homes,” Lyonsstated.If homeowners do notlive here or visit infrequently,it would be a good ideato have someone check onthe house, Erler suggested.J.P. Crumrine can bereached at jp@towncrier.Subscribe to theIdyllwild TownCrier today!(951) 659-2145com.In case of emergencies, customers maycall the following phone numbers:Fern Valley Water District (951) 659-2200(answering service after hours)Idyllwild Water District (951) 659-2143Pine Cove Water District (951) 659-2675;(951) 294-8282 after business hoursHANDYMANDependable Quality Service• Home Improvement & Repair• Solve Electrical Problems• Hang Light Fixtures, Ceiling Fans• Install Extra Outlet Plugs• Fix Leaky Faucets• Small Plumbing Repairs• Tile & Masonry Repair• Repair/Replace Doorknobs“Knowledgeable & Experienced”Lindsay Jerrell Speed(951) 659-3292Also, for general emergency information,go to www.towncrier.com.Chaney’sPlumbing24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICEDRAIN SERVICE ~ LEAKSREPIPES ~ TANKLESS WATER HEATERSREMODELS ~ NEW CONSTRUCTIONVIDEO INSPECTIONSDEPENDABLE & RELIABLE!BONDED AND LICENSEDOWNER: RICK CHANEYLic. # 862139Cell: (951) 534-1006Home: (951) 659-8111Idyllwild Carpet CleaningProfessional Steam Carpetand Furniture CleaningAt Great Rates(951) 303-7887Stan Hardingstanharding6439@hotmail.comRoyalDraperies“WHERE THECUSTOMERIS KING”Since 1978Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pmSat By AppointmentCUSTOM DRAPERIES • SHUTTERS • BLINDSBEDSPREADS • CUSTOM UPHOLSTERYEUROPEAN LACES • SLIP COVERSCALL FOR FREE ESTIMATEOR VISIT OUR SHOWROOM925-02202224 E. FLORIDA AVE. • HEMETFREE ESTIMATESCommercial • ResidentialRentalsP.O. Box 3250Idyllwild, CA 92549