As your local water utility provider, we strive to keep you continually updated on all matters related to your water service. If you do not find the information you need, please contact our office and we will gladly assist you!
Lake Hills Customer
Following the February 05, 2025, meeting, the following updates have been made:
Micro-comm components for the SCADA system at the Getter Tank have been received in the office. Currently, Getter Tank Telemetry can be seen by SCADA at the water treatment plant as of February 20, 2025.
After replacing the pilot valve on the Getter Tank, the valve will not open as reported by Bobby Cloud. Elizabeth Zeller contacted Ladd regarding the Pilot Valve not opening after installation. Ladd contacted the manufacturer regarding the Pilot Valve not opening. The manufacturer of the Pilot Valve, OCV, contacted Bobby Cloud regarding the issue. The Pilot Valve is being sent to OCV for rebuilding and repair.
On March 7, 2025, OCV shipped the Pilot Valve to Dade County Water & Sewer Authority.
The Dade County Water & Sewer Authority received the Pilot Valve from OCV on March 14, 2025. The Pilot Valve was installed on the Getter Tank by Bobby Cloud.
On March 18, 2025, Ladd Environmental was informed that the Pilot Valve had been installed, and adjustments were being made with monitoring by Bobby Cloud, Distribution Manager. The pressure testing will be scheduled by Ladd Environmental at a specific time and date. The testing has not yet been scheduled.
Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes
Being prepared and informed may help you to avoid the messy and often expensive issue of frozen pipes. The following information and suggestions can help prevent water pipes in the home from freezing and show how to thaw them if they do freeze.
Know where the main valve shut off is for your home. This valve is often found in a crawl space or basement on the wall near the front outside spigot or near the hot water heater in homes on a slab. If you have a pipe burst in your home, immediately close this valve to shut off the water supply to your home and help prevent further water damage.
Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the “strength” of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:
- Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
- Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape,” “heat cable,” or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
- When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
To Thaw Frozen Pipes
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
Future Protection
- Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
- Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
- Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.
Source: The American Red Cross
