Now that winter is here, your buildings, facilities, and other property should already be prepared for freezing temperatures and inclement weather. But what happens when the weather starts to warm? Below, you will find information about de-winterization, spring thaw preparations.
With the long winter months behind us, we are looking forward to spring, the time will soon be upon everyone to de-winterize and get your district ready for the warm weather around the corner. But that warmer weather could also mean complications from flash floods or thermal damage.
Primarily, this process reactivates the plumbing system. Faucets are prepared for water flow by removing the aerators; allow debris to drain out of the system. Supply valves open quickly and as water flows you can check for leaks.
Here are a few helpful tips when re-activating your plumbing system:
- Check any fixture connected to the water supply. Reconnect anything disconnected before turning on the water. Make sure flex lines are connected.
- Turn off shut-off valves. By doing this slowly, you can test each fixture individually and identify leaks and minimize the potential mess.
- Turn on the water slowly at the main water supply. Have extra people present that assist in spotting leaks quickly is a plus.
- Flush toilets and check spigots. Toilets can leak from the seals between the tank and the bowl. Test this by flushing multiple times. Spigots, even freeze-proof faucets can leak after de-winterizing.
- Low pressure can mean there is a split in the shaft causing a leak.
Spring Thaw
Beyond these processes, there might be appropriate concerns about how spring thaw flooding might affect your district. This is the season where weather can be at its most unpredictable, and with the combination of a lingering snow-pack and heavy rains, water damage to district buildings is a very real possibility.
Here are a few tips on how to prepare for spring thaw:
- Remove snow around buildings and check for obstructions and debris. This ensures that thawed snow will drain away from your home.
- Check your building’s drainage. Make sure that flood drains are unobstructed by debris and snow. Check floor and roof drains.
- Maintain gutters and downspouts. When these items clog, overflow and flooding is likely. Check for snow, ice, and debris in these locations.
- Have your roof inspected. This step can provide you with extra security knowing your buildings are prepared for any storm. If the roof has snow on it, consider a safe removal.
- Listen to weather forecasts for threats of flash flooding, or long term snow-melt projections and prepare accordingly.
Last Reminders
Last, but not least, consider reviewing your Flood coverage. We provide $2,000,000 in Flood coverage for scheduled property, at no cost to our members. However, it is important to note that specific, unique situations may present their own challenges. Consider increasing your limits if you believe $2,000,000 is not enough. That’s a lot of money, but not enough to aid with a large loss to a large property.
Our coverage is limited to replacement or repairs of scheduled property and equipment. We do not provide coverage for land improvement unless you specifically schedule them. Examples that fall under this distinction include golf courses, parking lots, fencing, and sidewalks.
Please take the time to review our coverage and your scheduled property and make any necessary changes to protect your district. Now—with a few months to spare until spring—is the perfect time to do so.
