Going South For The Winter?
Help Avoid Costly Water Leaks
For owners planning to spend this winter in the south, following is a list of items you need to address before you depart. Doing so will help prevent damage to your unit and your neighbors’ units due to clogged, displaced or faulty water lines.
In addition to addressing the items below, please send an email to so that the Board of Directors has a list of units that will be vacant this winter. The list will only be shared with the Overlook Lakes Management Office and will otherwise be kept strictly confidential.
- Have your furnace serviced, being sure the drain line is clear and securely inserted into the floor drain in the utility room. Clogged and displaced drain lines on furnaces have caused water leaks in the past.
- Be sure the drain line from your hot water heater is clear and securely inserted into the floor drain in the utility room.
- Have the water supply lines in your kitchen, bathrooms and utility room inspected to ensure there are no leaks. Failed supply lines to faucets, toilets and washers have also caused water leaks in the past. If you still have the original lines, it’s recommended that they be replaced with upgrades.
- Shut off the water supply valves to your toilets.
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 60 degrees.
- Leave your lower kitchen cabinet doors and bathroom cabinet doors open to ensure adequate heating and air flow to prevent freezing of pipes.
- Ensure the Management Office has a local contact should there be an issue needing attention.
- Ask a family member, relative or friend to periodically check the interior of your unit throughout the winter to ensure all is well.
An additional measure for avoiding water leaks is for you to shut off the main water valve to your unit and to turn off the circuit breakers to your hot water heater. In eight-family units, the water valve is located in or above the hot water heater. In four-family units, the water valve may be concealed in the dopped soffit.
If you need help locating the correct water valve and circuit breakers, call the Overlook Lakes Management Office at least one week prior to your departure to schedule a date and time for property management staff to show you where each is located.
Repairing damage due to water leaks caused by clogged, displaced or faulty water lines is a long and costly process. Significant sections of drywall, insulation, baseboards and flooring often have to be removed and replaced. Please understand that if a water leak originates in your unit, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs to all affected units.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
If you have questions, email or call the Management Office at 414-427-5715.
Sincerely,
Your Overlook Lakes Board of Directors
Your Buildings and Infrastructure Committee
