Insulating your pipes is usually thought of in the winter to keep them from freezing...but that same insulation will pay off for you in the summer as well. When hot water pipes are insulated, the water standing in the them will remain warm longer, requiring less time to get hot water at the faucets, and less cold water goes down the drain.

     With winter here many people will be off "on the road again"! If you are going to be leaving your home unoccupied while you travel, the water should be turned off at the hand valve to prevent cold weather damage to your plumbing and depletion of the water supply. City Code requires a hand valve on the homeowner's side of the meter for just that reason.

     Removing handles on outside faucets will make it difficult for any unauthorized or accidental use while you are away.