Time to Winterize!
Cool mornings tell us that the cold nights are not far away. It is very important that home and business owners and renters spend some time winterizing their homes and businesses to prepare for the sub freezing temperatures that are sure to come!
• Water sprinkler systems should be turned off, drain valves opened, and blown out with compressed air when possible. This will eliminate standing water in the buried system that could freeze and cause leaks and problems in the spring when the systems are turned back on. If the vacuum breaker and piping is on the north side of the house you may need to wrap the piping with insulation to prevent the cold being transferred into your basement piping and possibly freezing the sprinkler shut off valve.
• Swamp coolers have a water supply line that must be disconnected and drained. If this is not done before the first hard freeze the line will break and leak. There could be additional damage caused to the swamp cooler itself.
• Garden hoses should be disconnected from the house. This is the most common cause of freezing pipes and damage caused to basements in the winter. The valve will freeze and break usually about 12 inches into the basement. This can cause a great amount of damage in a very small amount of time. If hose bibs are on the north side of the home or if they are covered much of the day you may need to install small insulating covers that will help ensure that the hose bibs on your home do not get cold enough to freeze inside. These small covers can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement retail stores.
• Time to apply a winter formulated fertilizer to your lawn which will help encourage a strong root system, resist disease, and a head start on healthy lawn in the spring.
• Deep root watering is also important in the fall and winter. During periods of dry weather deep root watering will help keep trees, shrubs, and turf healthy.
Fire Hydrant Painting in Progress!
District field personnel are continuing to paint the fire hydrants in the District. Over 450 hydrants are receiving a new coat of red paint. The West Metro Fire Department relies on the Bancroft-Clover Water and Sanitation District to paint and maintain all fire hydrants so they can be utilized in an emergency to save lives and property. The District would like to thank all residents that have been very helpful in moving vehicles etc.! In the winter months when ice is present on the roads fire hydrants may get damaged. Please call the District office at 303-922-1113 if you observe a damaged fire hydrant!