As the Plainview community prepares for snow in the forecast as we jump into the colder months, the Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to remind its residents about the importance of keeping fire hydrants clear. Ensuring hydrants remain free of snow and any other winter debris can save first responders valuable time during their response to an emergency situation.

“The winter weather arriving always provides us with an opportunity to remind our residents and local business owners of the importance of keeping hydrants clear,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “Making sure the fire department has quick and easy access to fire hydrants at all times saves precious moments that should be used to responding to an emergency.”

Residents can “adopt” a nearby fire hydrant to pledge responsibility for reporting issues and making sure it kept clear during snowstorms. Clearing approximately three feet around the hydrant will provide both firefighters with uninterrupted access in case of a potential emergency. This provides plenty of room for the emergency personnel to operate the device as well as locate it.

“You never know when or where an emergency is going to occur so never assume that they fire hydrant in front of your home won’t be needed,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “We also encourage residents to never assume someone else will clear the hydrant so please communicate with your neighbors to ensure it is cleared in a timely fashion.”

In addition, the Plainview Water District asks residents to also consider assisting neighbors, family members and friends who are unable to clear their own fire hydrants without assistance. Residents who leave their homes for the winter season are asked to notify a neighbor who can make sure someone is responsible for clearing it in their absence.

“The safety of our community is always our foremost priority, which is why we are so emphatic about making sure this simple yet vital step is not overlooked,” said PWD Commissioner Amanda Field. “We appreciate the attention of our residents on this simple, yet crucial, task.”

If you have questions about preparing your home’s water system for the winter or general inquiries about your water service, please call 516-931-6469 or send an email to info@plainviewwater.org. Customers of the Plainview Water District are also encouraged to sign up to receive updates by visiting www.plainviewwater.org. Follow the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plainviewwater.

The cold winter months are upon us and the Plainview Water District would like to provide residents with some helpful tips to prepare their homes’ water system. When exposed to cold weather, water systems that are not properly prepared or winterized can be subject to breaks and/or leaks. Residents are encouraged to utilize these tips to protect their homes from any damage or disruptions caused by frozen pipes.

“Preparing your home’s water system for the colder weather is very simple, but failing to take these steps can cause problems down the road,” said Chairman Marc Laykind. “We ask everyone in the District to use this information as a guide to avoid a big and unnecessary frustration that frozen pipes can cause.”

Outdoor Water Systems:

Don’t forget to turn off those hose spigots from inside the house and leave the outside valves open to prevent freezing. This allows any trapped water to expand in freezing temperatures, preventing the pipe from bursting. Disconnect and drain all hoses and keep in a warm, dry place for reuse in the spring.

Sprinkler Systems:

Sprinkler systems should be winterized to prevent possible leaks and damage to the system. Leaks in sprinkler systems caused by burst pipes can be hard to identify when the systems return back on line, leading to increased water usage and decreased functionality.

Indoor Maintenance:

If a customer’s water service is in the boiler room or basement, check the area for broken windows or drafts. Brisk winds and freezing temperatures can cause pipes and water meters to freeze or break. In preparation, locate the main water shutoff valve in your home in case of an emergency and make sure pipes in unheated areas—like crawl spaces—are properly insulated.

It is also advised that all customers clearly label the main water shutoff valve in their home so they are prepared in the event of a water leak emergency. Shutoff valves are typically located where the water service enters the house through the foundation.

Water Lines Leading to Unheated Structures:

Be sure to shut off and drain service lines leading to any unheated structures until spring to prevent breaks.

If you have questions about preparing your home’s water system for the winter or general inquiries about your water service, please call 516-931-6469 or send an email to info@plainviewwater.org. Customers of the Plainview Water District are also encouraged to sign up to receive updates by visiting www.plainviewwater.org. Follow the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plainviewwater.