All posts by Debby Thompson

Save your pipes: Tips to keep water flowing in cold weather

Neighborhood News

We may be in Texas, but we’re still vulnerable to destructive winter weather.  Here are tips to protect your water system from winter blasts.

Before a freeze:

  • Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of your home.
  • Remove garden hoses from outside faucets.  Insulate the faucet with a Styrofoam cover, rags, disposable diaper or paper.
  • Cover vents around the foundation of your house.
  • Know where your property’s water cut-off valve is located and know how to use it.

Tommie’s Plumbing in Jonesborough offers reliable plumbing services that can help prepare and protect your plumbing system for the upcoming winter season. If you need emergency plumbing services, then make sure to contact experts like this emergency plumber royston park.

In sub-freezing weather:

  • Let water drip slowly from inside faucets during a freeze.
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks where pipes are along outside walls.

If you’re not going to be home:

  • Cut off your water at the property’s cut-off valve and drain all outside water faucets if your house will be unoccupied for several days.
  • Or leave your home heating system on at a low setting.  That may cost a few bucks, but it’s better than returning home from your holiday trip to find your carpet and furniture soaked from burst pipes.

Renters should contact the manager or landlord for more information on freeze precautions. In case of urgent plumbing issues during extreme weather, 24 hour plumbing orange is a reliable option to address emergencies promptly and ensure your home stays protected.

Source: Wells Branch Word, December 2003

Locate & know how to use your Water Shut-Off Valve

Neighborhood News

Submitted by Margret Wingrove, Crossroads Utility Services

Don’t wait for a water emergency!!  Locate your water cut-off valve now and learn what causes a toilet to leak from the bottom to prevent costly home repairs. If you are unable to identify where the leak is coming from, it may be time to seek professional plumbing services. For water line repair Roanoke call Roger’s Plumbing & Trenching.

Addressing water issues before they escalate is crucial for preventing significant home damage. One key preventive measure is ensuring that your basement is properly waterproofed. Basements are particularly vulnerable to water intrusion, which can lead to structural problems and costly repairs. For drain cleaning Charlottesville services, you may contact Atlantis Plumbing, LLC..

For expert advice and solutions tailored to your needs, Visit aquamasterplumbing.com to explore comprehensive basement waterproofing services. Their specialized knowledge and cutting-edge techniques can help safeguard your home against potential water damage and ensure that your basement remains dry and protected. Taking these preventive measures will not only save you from future headaches but also contribute to the overall longevity and safety of your property.

And if you need help with tankless water heater installation, then make sure to contact the professionals for expert services.

A properly operating cut-off valve allows you to cut off water quickly should you have a leak in the house, need to work on your sprinkler system, or wish to turn off the water to your house as a precaution when traveling. Call Rare Breed Plumbing for professional plumbing services in Bountiful & Sandy, Utah.

The water shut-off valve is located between the water meter near the street and your house.  It is generally located in the ground adjacent to the meter box and should be protected by a 6” circular cover.  The handle underneath the cover should be exercised to make sure it is operable.  To verify the water valve is operable, turn on a hose bib next to the house.  Turn the house valve off and the water from the hose bib should stop flowing.  Turn the valve on and water should resume flowing from the hose bib.

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the cut off valve.

Allergies Bothering You in Closed Winter House?

Health & Fitness
Source: www.allabouthome.com

One fifth of all Americans suffer from allergies affecting the sinuses and lungs. During the winter, everyone is trying hard to keep the house warm and closed off from the outside air. Unfortunately, that also seals up the indoor atmosphere where certain pollutants can irritate allergies. These pollutants include dust mites, pets and mold. The way to eliminate the irritation caused by these things is usually as simple as removing the source. The room you most need to focus on is the room you sleep in. Here are a few tips to help keep the sneezing and sniffing to a minimum this winter.

  • Keep your house properly ventilated and get fresh air on a regular basis.
  • Keep upholstered furniture to a minimum in your bedroom and vacuum it frequently.
  • Cover you mattress, pillows and box springs with an impermeable covering. Dust mites thrive in bedding.
  • Unclutter the room as much as possible to keep down dust and dust mites.
  • Vacuum and dust as frequently as you possibly can. Have someone who is NOT allergy-prone do this, since these activities can really aggravate allergies.
  • Try to keep your bedroom uncarpeted. Dust mites love carpeting, and even vacuuming twice a week can’t combat them.
  • If you can’t keep your pet outdoors, at least keep them out of the bedroom, and for heaven’s sake, don’t let your pet sleep with you!
  • Avoid high humidity. Run humidifiers only when the heater is running.
  • Don’t run humidifiers in the room with the door closed.
  • Use super-fine furnace filters and change them frequently (at least once a month).

Important MUD Board Meetings • January 8 & 15 • WB Community Center on Klattenhoff • 6:30pm

Neighborhood News

Submitted by Bob Bauhs, WB MUD Board Director

The first 2 MUD board meetings in January will kick off the new year by seeking your opinion.

During the 1st meeting on Tuesday January 8th at 6:30 PM, the board will conduct a Capital Improvement work session to explore opinions about what capital improvements are most important to you, the residents. The session will focus on capital projects that would add to the amenities in the District.
The second equally important work session on Tuesday, January 15th at 7 PM will introduce the public to the adapted plan for Preserving the Pond and Native Species. This session will focus on improvements planned around the pond in the coming years. Guest speakers will be Richard Fadal, President of TexaScapes and the board’s landscape consultant; and Dr. Kevin Anderson, Past President of the Texas Riparian Association and current coordinator of the Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory.

More specific information about both sessions is on the MUD web site at: www.wellsbranchmud.com.  Read the lead stories on the home page about each meeting and follow the accompanying links that will provide you with details and examples.

We hope to see you there!

Winter Clean-Up Day • Saturday, January 12!

Neighborhood News

Bulk Trash Drop Off • Hazardous Waste Collection Site • Drop Off for Easter Seals & Habitat for Humanity • Saturday, January 12 • 8am-5pm • MUD Maintenance Yard • 13905 Thermal

Here’s your chance to clean out that garage or shed before the weather gets really nasty! Bring your old batteries, oil, paint, and antifreeze to the WB MUD Maintenance Facility at 13905 Thermal Drive, Saturday, January 12, from 8am-5pm. The MUD is providing a trailer and staff to transport these items to the Hazardous Waste Facility in far South Austin as part of our continued Keep Wells Branch Beautiful efforts.

There are restrictions as to what can be collected and transported. Oil, paint and anti-freeze need to be in closed containers.  If bringing car or boat batteries, a cardboard box would be appreciated (but not necessary).  We cannot take light bulbs, fertilizer or other chemicals at this time.

In addition to the usual bulky trash collection, Ed & Kay Peterson have arranged to have a manned truck from Habitat for Humanity on-site for collection of re-usable materials.  Download a list of acceptable items here: Habitat Donation Guidelines.

Easter Seals is sending a truck at 4:30 to pick up donations of clothing, pots & pans, household goods, etc. as well.  Download a list of needed items here: Easter Seals List.

Please note:  Each Collection Site has different guidelines so what is not accepted for Habitat, may be at Easter Seals.  Likewise, paint is only accepted at the Hazardous Waste site (COA recycles and makes primer which in turn, goes back to Habitat).  Please check with volunteers on site and watch this site for more information & updates.

Questions?  Call Debby at 656-0654.

Holiday Happenings in Wells Branch!

Neighborhood News

Wells Branch New Year’s Eve Extravaganza!

Monday, December 31, 8pm

Wells Branch Community Center

Come celebrate with us!  Ring in the New Year in style with your friends & neighbors without ever leaving the neighborhood!

Dance the night away at the Wells Branch Community Center on December 31 from 8:00pm to 12:30am.

Music will be provided by a DJ and he’ll be taking your requests.

The celebration is BYOB and we’ll provide set-ups, punch, snacks, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Free admission with a donation to the Food Bank.

RSVP, volunteer or ask questions at party@wbna.us or 512.656.0654.  We hope you’ll join us!

Firework Safety from the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office

Neighborhood Safety

Submitted by: Travis County Emergency Services PIO Lisa Block, Tel: 512-854-7954

Fireworks are legal for sale in Travis County tomorrow, December 20, through midnight on January 1, but the Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that fireworks can cause severe injury and damaging fires. A red flag warning for tomorrow also brings high winds and added fire danger.

“Dry vegetation, high winds and low humidity increase our chances of experiencing wildfire, and fireworks could provide the spark that starts a fire,” said Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee. “We ask that you refrain from using fireworks due to these conditions. If you insist on using fireworks, please follow recommended safety precautions.”

The Travis County Fire Marshals’ office recommends following these safety tips:

  • · Do not consume alcohol and use fireworks because it’s a dangerous combination.
  • · Do not use fireworks on high fire danger days, such as red flag days.
  • · To detonate fireworks, find a flat surface, away from buildings, dry leaves and grass.
  • · Have water on hand in case of a fire.
  • · Insist on adult supervision when buying or setting off fireworks.
  • · Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • · Never try to re-Iight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
  • · Never give fireworks to small children; even sparklers can cause serious burns.

In 2010, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks related injuries. The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14. Many of these patients required hospital beds for recovery after treatment. To support their healing process, it is important to explore adaptive care surfaces for enhanced home recovery.

The NFPA also reports that in 2010 fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires that resulted in eight reported civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in property damage.

The sale and use of skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins are prohibited in unincorporated parts of Travis County due to the extremely dry conditions and risk of wildfire. The sale and possession of fireworks are prohibited within the city limits of Austin. In addition, fireworks are not allowed in Travis County Parks and parks managed by Travis County.