October in Colorado can bring a hard freeze with little warning. A sunny 70-degree afternoon can be followed by a night well below freezing. A few simple steps now can help protect your home from costly water damage.
1. Schedule your sprinkler blowout
Water left in irrigation lines can freeze, expand and crack pipes, valves and sprinkler heads. A sprinkler blowout uses compressed air to clear the water out of the system. Schedule it before freezing temperatures arrive, since irrigation contractors get busy in the fall.
2. Disconnect and drain garden hoses
A hose left connected to an outdoor faucet can trap water in the faucet and the pipe behind it. Disconnect hoses, drain them and store them for the winter.
3. Shut off and drain outdoor spigots
If your home has an interior shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, turn it off and open the outside spigot to let remaining water drain. Insulated faucet covers add another layer of protection on cold nights.
4. Clear gutters and downspouts
Leaves and debris in gutters can block water flow. When snow melts, clogged gutters can overflow and send water toward your foundation. Clear gutters and downspouts so melting snow drains away from your home.
Who maintains what in an HOA?
In many HOA communities, some of these items are handled by the association. For example, the association may maintain a shared irrigation system in common areas, while owners take care of their own outdoor faucets. In other communities, owners are responsible for their own irrigation. Your governing documents spell out what applies to your home.
Not sure whether your irrigation is maintained by you or by your association? Contact your community manager, or log in through the HOA Portal at accordhoa.com to review your community's documents.
A little prep goes a long way
Water damage from a frozen pipe can be disruptive and expensive. Spending an hour on these steps in early fall is one of the easiest ways to protect your home, and it helps your community too, especially in attached homes where water can affect neighbors.