Getting ready for the Winter cold

Water lines will freeze during winter months if they are not properly protected.

Temperatures in Paulden frequently drop below 32 degrees and as water freezes, it expands breaking even the strongest of water piping. If you turn on your faucet and no water comes out, chances are your pipes are frozen and may have broke. When the water thaws and begins to flow once again, the broken pipes will leak potentially causing major damage.

Don't take any chances! If you water is frozen, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and unplug all nearby electrical devices. Keep faucets open to relieve pressure.

REMEMBER: A little prevention can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars in damage repair. A broken pipe can emit more than 40 gallons per minute of water completely flooding a house in a very short time!

BACK TO TIPS

To reduce the possibility of frozen pipes,

take the following steps in October or early November:

1. Pipes leading to exterior spigots should be shut off and drained.

2. Install caulking or foam insulation to reduce exposure to outside air leaks.

3. Wrap all exposed pipes, hot AND cold lines, with foam sleeves or insulation.

4. Maintain at least 55 degrees in the home at all times. If you are leaving on vacation, turn off the water supply but do not turn off the heat in the home.

5. If you are leaving for extended periods of time with no heating in the house, turn off the water supply and drain all lines and toilets completely.

6. Hire a licensed plumber or handyman if you do not feel capable to do this work yourself.

7. Open bath and kitchen cabinet doors allowing warm air to circulate.

8. If you live in a manufactured home or trailer, the water supply line coming out of the ground and into the trailer under the home through the floor is extremely vulnerable. Make sure this line is completely wrapped. You may consider purchasing heat tape to cover all vulnerable pipes.

Flower and Vegetable Gardens

Rake winter leaf mulch back onto beds if winds blow it off.
Research and order heirloom seeds.
Weed beds once during winter to prevent weeds going to seed.

Tree and Shrub Beds

Prune fruit trees and other woody trees and shrubs while they're dormant (Dec-Feb).

Native Areas

Design your yard to create more shade. It is an excellent way to save on water and cooling costs through the summer months.
Plant to combine evergreen and deciduous plants for interest throughout the year.
Select gray sage green foliage plants generally for drought tolerance.
Plant in groups for ribbons of foliage color.

Lawns

Tune up yard equipment; sharpen mower blades. Plan drip irrigation or soaker hoses for beds and containers to conserve water.
Winter is the time to plan for spring. Consider lawn reduction or a new patio area.
Check storage areas for unwanted chemicals and dispose safely. Plan to replace plants that have disease or pest problems.

Composting

Continue to add fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells, nut shells, and house plant leaves and stalks from inside your home to your compost pile year round.