TIME TO SHUT OFF WATER TO OUTSIDE FAUCETS!

Greetings, LCV homeowners!   Well the days are growing shorter, and colder…  we are already experiencing frost, and soon we will have days and nights that are below freezing.  For all homeowners, and especially for those who may spend the winter months elsewhere, now is the time for an important message regarding preparing your home for cold weather.

All units in LCV have two outdoor hose faucets – usually one in the front, and the other in the fenced-in backyard.  Typically these faucets have water shut-offs inside the units, and before the weather turns cold, these need to be shut off, the outside faucets left open and hoses put away in order to prevent the pipes to the faucets from freezing.  A frozen pipe can burst, sending large amounts of water into your unit and potentially also the unit next door to you.  You may be liable for damage caused to any units affected by a burst pipe.  

Not sure where your shutoffs are?  Some possible shut-off valve locations are above the ceilings in the kitchen, under the sink in the downstairs half-bath or in the boiler room.  If you can’t find them, you can try asking your neighbor or the previous owner.  If this is unsuccessful, we recommend contacting a plumber.  Possible resources include:

• Merit Heating and Plumbing,
• Roto Rooter
• Bob’s Instant Plumbing

all of whom have long histories with LCV and are knowledgeable about our plumbing systems.  (Please note, the HOA does not have detailed information about these locations.  Some units actually have their shut-offs in an adjoining unit.)

All homeowners are required to provide up to date emergency contact information to the HOA, partly because of this issue.  This can be done by filling out the Homeowner/Tenant Information Form found on our website by clicking here. 

Remember also that thermostats must be set at a minimum of 60 degrees at all times and all utilities must be left on.  Turning off the heat and water inside your unit is NOT allowed since a cold unit can still cause plumbing problems for a neighboring unit. 

Please don’t think a frozen, burst pipe couldn’t happen to you.  We are reportedly expecting a more severe winter this year, and it is very important that you take these steps now to protect your and your neighbor’s properties.  Thank you for your attention to this important matter!  

Your Communications Committee