Household Tips

Winterizing Reduces Costs and Frustration
Residents with lawn sprinkler systems that are equipped with an RPZ valve (Reduced Backflow Pressure Valve) should remove the valve before winter to prevent freezing and subsequent breakage. Be sure to store the RPZ valve in a heated area and have the valve re-tested once it has been reinstalled.

Another tip is to remove your garden hose from the outside frost proof spigot. Leaving the hose attached prevents the water from draining, making the spigot vulnerable to freezing and breaking. Residents with homes without frost proof spigots must close the interior valves in the basement or crawl space. Then, open the spigot to allow it to drain properly.


Toilets Number 1 Cause of Water Leaks and High Bills
Residents who think that their water bills are higher than normal may try an easy test for a possible toilet leak. Put food coloring in the toilet tank. (This will not stain the toilet.) If the colored water goes into the bowl and the toilet has not been flushed, the toilet is leaking. The repair would be new parts in the tank.

Toilets are the primary cause of water leaks in the house. The sound of running water is not always heard if a toilet has a leak. It is not uncommon for water bills to double or even triple if a toilet is leaking. The North Riverside Public Works Department will come and advise a resident if a leak is detected. For more information, call 708-447-4211, ext. 47. Ask for Public Works.