Severe subfreezing weather is in the forecast. Water pipes in our apartment community may freeze and break unless we ALL act quickly. If any pipes freeze, we may have to cut off the water to entire buildings. If there are widespread pipe breakages across the city, it could be days before we can get hot and cold water back on in your unit. Please help!
IMMEDIATE ACTION. Please take the following precautions as soon as you read this notice!
- Leave the heat on 24 hours a day at a temperature setting of no less than 50°. Keep all windows closed. Be sure to leave the closet and cabinet doors open under all sinks to allow heat to get to the plumbing.
- Drip all your water faucets at a steady drip of about 1 drop every 2 to 3 seconds. This includes cold and hot water in all sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc.
- Leave the faucets dripping or running until further notice. We will notify you when to stop.
- Leave all drains open, including sinks and bathtubs.
- Bring in potted or hanging plants.
- Notify management ASAP if you notice any water running from a building or from under your walls.
- Remember to be careful about ice and snow on steps and sidewalks. As authorized in the lease, management may be entering the apartments for spot checks.
- If you have washer/dryer units in your apartment, especially those located on any outside patio or in any outside closet, follow these steps to prevent those water lines from freezing and breaking:
• Turn both the hot and cold water lines off.
• Disconnect these water lines from the back of your washing machine.
• Place both water lines into the drain pipe (in the wall) behind the washing machine.
• Turn both water lines back on so that a steady drip (same as above) is coming out 24 hours a day.
• When you want to wash clothes, remember to reconnect the water lines.
DAMAGE TO YOUR PROPERTY AND RENTER’S INSURANCE
If the pipes in your apartment or in the units above or next to you freeze and break, there can be substantial damage to your property, other residents’ property and the owner’s property. You could be liable for such damages (and any related damages caused by mold or mildew) if you have negligently failed to take proper precautions. The casualty insurance on the apartment owner’s building cannot legally cover damages to other people’s property.
You are encouraged to buy renter’s insurance to cover unexpected damage to your personal belongings from water, fire and similar hazards.
Thank you for your prompt and continuous cooperation regarding this serious problem.