Simply register in person with check, cash, or Visa/MasterCard, via mail with a check, via phone with Visa / MasterCard / Amex / Discover or online registration through the website.
2. What kind of fields do you have for renting?
We have four soccer fields, and 7 baseball/softball diamonds for rent, as well as 5 tennis courts and a track for free drop-in use.
3. Which fields have lights?
Evergreen Playfields 1, 3, and 5.
4. What sports do you offer?
We have Adult Leagues for Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, and Racquetball. We offer racquetball and tennis tournaments, clinics and lessons for youth and adults and have tennis, soccer, golf, lacrosse, basketball, sports camps and flag football for youth in the summer.
Rental fees are $11.50/hour for youth, and $21.00/hour for adults. When using a field with lights you add $7/hour to those fees. Adding field preps is an additional $16/prep for softball/baseball and $30/prep for soccer (on dirt field). Basketball Leagues are $600 per team (10 games), Softball is $657 per team (10 games), and Volleyball is $310 per team (10 matches).
6. What seasons do you offer for Leagues?
Basketball is Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer. Softball is offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Volleyball is held Fall, Winter, and Spring.
7. What divisions are offered in each sport?
Basketball is broken down into three divisions: Advanced (A-Wednesdays), Intermediate (B-Wednesdays), and Recreational (C-Mondays), except in summer with fewer teams it becomes one Open Division. Softball has Men’s E-Rec, E, and D divisions (various days) and Coed Upper (Mondays) and CoRec Lower (Sundays). Volleyball has two divisions: Upper and Lower, all on Tuesdays.
1. What is Home Detention?
Community service is a program for low risk offenders, with little to no previous criminal history. They are scheduled for one to two days of service to the city, and complete various activities such as weeding, washing cars, litter pick up, and park maintenance. Prior to completing service, they fill out an application for the program, and are put through background investigation similar to Home Detention. This is a good alternative to jail for first time offenders and those with more minimal charges. It saves the city money by keeping these offenders out of the jail system, saving the city booking and daily housing fees, and keeping the jails less crowded.
The bracelet is strapped on the ankle with locking clips so it cannot be removed. It “talks” to a receiver that is plugged into the phone line. The receiver alerts the monitoring company when the bracelet is out of range. The bracelet will also signal the monitoring company if it is removed. Periodically, the monitoring company calls in to the receiver to make sure the client is home.
- It keeps families together.
- Clients can keep their jobs.
- Clients can get treatment while serving their sentence.
- The client who committed the crime pays for the program, not tax dollars.
- The City does not pay for medical issues that arise while the client is on the EHM program.
The City contract with the Electronic Home Monitoring company costs the City $5.75 per client, per day. The client pays the City $20 per day, resulting in a revenue for the City of $14.25 per client, per day. At an average of 10 to 14 clients per day, the City receives approximately $50,000 to $60,000 in revenue per year.
5. What are the cost savings?
Placing an offender in a jail facility costs the City about $61 per day. With an average of 10 to 14 offenders in custody, the daily cost to the City would be around $610 to $854 per day. Annually, that amounts to between $220,000 and $312,000 per year. The money saved by using this jail alternative program fully funds the Custody Officer position, the rental of the EHM equipment, and EHM fees for indigent defendants, and still realizes a cost savings to the city of at least $150,000 a year.
1. Where are the shelters/feeding stations for my neighborhood?
If a shelter is needed, the Red Cross and city will choose a shelter based on what location is structurally sound, has power and is located in a safe place. Since the location will depend on the emergency, we do not publish a list of potential shelter options. If we do need to open a shelter, we will use all mediums of communication available to inform the community about its location.
2. As a senior citizen, how can I be better prepared?
Make sure your plan identifies a support network of people who can help with specific needs such as evacuating your home, using any life saving equipment you may have and administering medicine in case of emergency. These people should have a key to your house. Keep a list of the medications and medical equipment you are using and copies of your medical cards and emergency contact information in a waterproof container to protect it from water damage.
3. Do I shut off my gas immediately after an earthquake?
Not unless you smell or hear gas escaping. If you do suspect a gas leak, shut it off. Only the gas company should turn the gas back on. Call your gas company so they can perform an inspection, turn it on and relight pilot lights. Mountlake Terrace residents can contact Puget Sound Energy toll-free at 1-888-225-5773 from 7:30am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
4. What do I do with my pet?
Taking care of your pet in an emergency needs to be part of your preparedness plan. Have food, water, sanitation and first aid items for your pet. Make sure your pet has an ID tag or microchip. Develop a buddy system with others to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. Since animals may not be allowed inside public shelters, plan alternatives.
5. How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
Invisible and odorless, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is produced when any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. It can kill a person in minutes. Never burn charcoal inside any enclosed area or use gasoline-powered equipment indoors. Never use a gas oven or an unvented gas or kerosene heater to heat your home. Have oil and gas appliances, fireplaces and wood stoves checked every year by a trained professional. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, confusion and nausea. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get to fresh air immediately and call 911.
6. How can I survive a power outage?
Never use open combustion units (gas or charcoal barbecues, hibachis) inside the home. If traffic lights go out, treat all intersections as four-way stops – it’s the law. Minimize driving to conserve fuel. You cannot refill the tank during a power outage. Make sure to keep your gas tank full if bad weather is expected. Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs. Don’t get wet if you have no way to get dry.
7. What should I do if a power line falls down?
Don’t touch or get near any fallen lines. Stay away from objects or puddles in contact with downed power lines. Notify the utility company (Snohomish County PUD, 425-783-1000, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).
8. Will my gas heater work?
No. Thermostats, furnace fans and blowers all run on electricity.
9. How can I stay warm?
Wear extra layers of clothes and use several layers of blankets. Do not get wet if there is no way to get dry. Drink and eat enough to preserve health. Close off all rooms that are not in use and do not need to be heated. To keep rooms warm, close curtains, shades or drapes. Cover doors and windows.
10. How can I safely use alternate heat sources?
Do not burn anything inside your home without adequate ventilation to the outdoors. Have enough fuel available for alternate heat sources, such as wood for a wood stove. Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, and most portable or propane heaters for indoor heating. These units use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation. Before using an alternate heat source, read the manufacturer’s instructions. Have firefighting materials: dry powder, fire extinguisher, heavy tarp or blanket, water.
11. How should a portable generator be used?
Use generators only as independent power sources. Keep them outside and run a cord inside. Don’t connect generators to main service panels. This could injure or kill utility workers trying to restore power.
12. How do I keep food safe to eat?
Use foods that spoil rapidly first. Keep cold food cold. Use dry ice or an ice chest. In winter, store food outside. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to conserve cold air. If food is cold to touch, it is probably safe to keep, use or refreeze. Discard meat, seafood, dairy products and cooked food that are not cold to touch. Fruits, vegetables and food in undamaged cans are safe.
Food that needs no refrigeration: jelly, butter, margarine, ketchup, mustard, pickles, relish.
If in doubt, throw it out. For information on food safety, call your health department or cooperative extension service.
13. How do you treat contaminated water?
Please see the	Contaminated Water page.
14. How do I operate my electric garage door opener?
Operate the door by hand. Read the owner’s manual or call the manufacturer.
15. Are there special considerations for people with chronic health problems?
Yes. Talk to your doctor about an emergency supply of prescription medicine. Keep a 30 supply in your emergency kit. Be aware of the expiration date on the medication and rotate a fresh supply into the kit on a regular basis. If you are on life support, register with your utility company, and have a backup power supply on hand.
16. Are there any recommended evacuation guidelines?
Keep a full tank of gas in your car. Make transportation arrangements if you do not own a car. Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions. Gather your family and go if you are instructed to evacuate immediately. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas. Stay away from downed power lines.
17. What should I do with my insurance and other vital records to prepare for emergencies?
Store important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, property records, and other important papers in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box away from your home. Make copies of important documents for your emergency supply kit.
1. Can additional types of decisions be assigned to a hearing examiner?
Yes. Under state law, the City Council can assign a variety of decisions to hearing examiners. Some of the most common assignments include decisions for subdivisions and planned unit development applications. However, under the proposed ordinance, decisions for subdivisions and planned unit developments will continue to come to the Planning Commission for a recommendation and to the City Council for a final decision.
2. Why change to a fuller hearing examiner system?
A hearing examiner system that includes land use decisions is usually faster than other systems—thus speeding up the permit process. It is more predictable and tends to be more fact-based. The hearing examiner also has specialized skills and expertise in understanding and applying complex laws and codes. Because of his/her specialized skills, the hearing examiner is able to establish a thorough record that helps reduce the City’s liability in potential litigation.
3. Do other cities use a hearing examiner system?
Yes, most other cities of all sizes in our region use a hearing examiner system.
4. Would a hearing examiner hold hearings locally?
Yes, the hearing examiner would hold public hearings at the Mountlake Terrace City Hall.
5. Would a hearing examiner be more expensive?
A hearing examiner would be paid for his/her time. However, overall time for making decisions is reduced, compared to the paid time necessary for staff to prepare and present materials for a board, commission, or council, and for the board, commission, or council to study the issues and make a decision.
6. What qualifications should a hearing examiner have?
A hearing examiner for land use cases should be skilled and experienced in land use law and regulations (typically an attorney), development practices, and communication. Other skills may be desired too.
7. Would the same hearing examiner we already have be the one who decides land use cases?
No. Although the City already has a hearing examiner under part-time contract, his specialty is civil law. Therefore, another hearing examiner with more specific land use law experience would be needed, also on a part-time contract basis.
8. How would a hearing examiner be selected?
If the proposed Ordinance is adopted, the City Manager would put forth a search for qualified candidates. The search would include a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. Responses to the RFQ would be evaluated and the strongest candidates would be interviewed. The City Council would then select the preferred candidate(s) by majority vote.
1. What is a Transportation Benefit District (TBD)?
A Transportation Benefit District (TBD) is a quasi-municipal corporation and independent taxing district created for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district. The boundaries of the Mountlake Terrace TBD are identical with the City limits.
2. What state law authorizes Transportation Benefit Districts?
State law has allowed Transportation Benefit Districts for more than 20 years to address transportation needs. The law was modified in 2007. A City (or County) may now implement up to a $20 per vehicle fee with City Council (or County Commissioner) approval under Chapter 36.73 RCW. The members of the legislative authority establishing the district, in this case the Mountlake Terrace City Council, make up the TBD Board. Members of the TBD Board are acting ex-officio and independently from their City Council role.
3. Who may create a Transportation Benefit District?
The legislative authority of a county or city may create a Transportation Benefit District by ordinance following the procedures of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 36.73.
4. When and how did the City Council establish a Transportation Benefit District?
After the notice for a public hearing proposing a Transportation Benefit District was published in the newspaper and posted in the legally required places, the City Council held a public hearing on December 5, 2011 regarding whether to establish a Transportation Benefit District for the city. After the hearing, the City Council considered the local transportation needs, compared to available funding, and voted to adopt an ordinance (City Ordinance No. 2584) establishing the Transportation Benefit District. The ordinance created a new chapter in the Mountlake Terrace Municipal Code, namely: Chapter 3.85 Mountlake Terrace Transportation Benefit District. The new code chapter identified the Transportation Benefit District’s purpose, location, governing board, funding mechanism, use of funds, and end-date. View City Ordinance No. 2584 (PDF).
5. What are the boundaries of the Mountlake Terrace Transportation Benefit District?
The physical boundaries of the Mountlake Terrace Transportation Benefit District are identical to the Mountlake Terrace City limits.
6. Who governs the Mountlake Terrace Transportation Benefit District?
The Transportation Benefit District Board governs the Transportation Benefit District. Under state law, the Transportation Benefit District Board for a citywide Transportation Benefit District must consist of all members of the City Council, who as Transportation Benefit District Board members must take on an independent role.
7. Are Transportation Benefit District revenues required to be spent as they are collected?
No. The governing body must develop a plan that specifies the transportation improvements to be provided or funded by the Transportation Benefit District. As part of this plan, the Transportation Benefit District’s governing board can indicate if the funds will be used immediately, or if they will be collected for a specified period. Typically, funds that are collected for a specified period before being expended are used to fully fund large projects, when bonding, or serve as a match for state or federal funds that may only become available in a future time frame.
8. Who can I contact about other fees on my Vehicle License Tab Renewal Notice?
For fees related to the Department of Licensing (DOL) (for example: weight based fee, license plate replacement fee, reflective coating fee, etc.), please contact DOL's Vehicle Customer Service Center at 360-902-3770. For the $5 voluntary donation related to Washington State Parks, please contact the Washington State Park Headquarters at 360-902-8844.
9. Can I “opt out” of the $20 Transportation Benefit District fee?
No. Unlike the Washington State Parks donation, the Transportation Benefit District Fee is mandatory for all vehicles subject to the fee under RCW 82.80.140, and renewing their tabs for addresses in the Mountlake Terrace City limits.
10. Can the $20 fee be waived for special circumstances?
11. What other requirements should I be aware of?
If project costs exceed original costs by more than 20%, a public hearing must be held to solicit public comment regarding how the cost change should be resolved. The Transportation Benefit District Board must issue an annual report to include the status of project costs, revenues, expenditures, and construction schedules. The Transportation Benefit District must be dissolved upon completion of the project(s) and the payment of debt service.
12. When did the Transportation Benefit District Board start?
The Transportation Benefit District Board was officially established by City Ordinance Number 2584 in December 2011. The Board held its first meeting and public hearing on January 3, 2012.
13. What initial steps did the Transportation Benefit District Board take?
Please view the	Board Process page.
14. For what will the Transportation Benefit District fees be used?
The Transportation Benefit District fees can only be used for authorized transportation purposes. In Mountlake Terrace, this includes, first of all, the Main Street Revitalization (aka “Reconstruction”) Project. A more detailed description of this project is given under the question “What is the Main Street Revitalization Project?” A second priority, if needed, is to fund other transportation projects across the city to help preserve, maintain, or improve the local transportation infrastructure.
15. What is the Main Street Revitalization Project?
The Main Street project includes reconstruction of 56th Avenue West from 230th to 236th Streets SW, 236th Street SW from 56th Avenue West to Interstate 5, and any associated improvements for streets connecting with these segments of 56th Avenue West and 236th Street SW. (A map shows the project area.) Reconstruction is needed because some parts of the existing streets (built more than 50 year ago, before Mountlake Terrace was even a city) are failing. In particular, the foundation—as well as the paved surface—of 56th Avenue West needs to be reconstructed. While the necessary reconstruction is taking place, city improvements can be made at the same time. Planned improvements include wider sidewalks, energy-efficient street and pedestrian lights, street trees, bicycle lanes, undergrounding of electrical power, energy conduits, and any needed repairs or upgrades to the utilities under the street. Revitalizing “Main Street” will make driving, walking, and biking safer and more pleasant for people. It will also make the area more attractive for local shops and restaurants, other businesses, and jobs, helping the Town Center to become more lively.
16. How much is the TBD fee?
17. What types of vehicles are subject to the Transportation Benefit District fee?
Please see the Vehicle Types page.
18. What types of vehicles are exempt from the TBD fee?
Please see the Exempt Vehicles page.
2. What are the invasive non-native plants?
Other invasive plants are Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, clematis, field bindweed, creeping buttercup, reed canary grass, policeman's helmet and herb Robert. Almost all of the invasive plants were originally introduced as landscaping plants that escaped into the natural environment.
Please see the Non-native invasive plants page.
3. What are native plants?
Native plants are the plants that existed in this area of Washington before 1860, the year of the arrival of the settlers in Washington WSU Extension Native Plant Guide.
4. Why is native habitat important?
The birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that live here are adapted to nesting, feeding and living in the plants, shrubs and trees that were here before we, the settlers, arrived. If you remove their habitat, they too will disappear.
5. Why is ivy bad on trees?
The added weight of the ivy can cause mature trees to come down in a storm. For example, on a large tree in Olympic National Park, 2,100 pounds of ivy was removed from a single tree.
•	Once ivy is in the tree canopy it shades out the trees leaves or needles.
•	English ivy can strangle a tree, especially at the base of the trunk.
•	Dense ivy cover deprives the tree's bark of normal contact with air and microorganisms.
•	Thick ivy mats accelerate rot.
•	Fast-growing ivy competes for nutrients and water.
6. Why not just let nature take its course?
That would work except for the fact that we have introduced non-native invasive plants that overtake our native plants and alter the natural re-growth of our native plants. Our City will not be the same place in the future if we do not get the invasive plants under control. Native ground cover and habitat will be overrun by ivy and we will have ivy deserts.
Our mature trees will gradually disappear with no new young trees to replace them because ivy suppresses the sprouting of seedlings!
7. What if the trees disappear?
•	Trees improve property values; homes with mature trees sell much better.
•	Trees reduce air pollution by removing carbon dioxide from the air, reducing the greenhouse effect. Our forests are our lungs. Diminished air quality can be traced back to a lack of urban forest.
•	Trees reduce storm water runoff costs by naturally controlling water runoff. Engineering solutions to surface water runoff are much more expensive. Functioning forests work better for storm water and ground water cleanliness than any engineered solution.
•	Trees reduce energy costs by shading houses.
•	Trees reduce the air temperature by giving off droplets of water.
•	Trees help muffle sounds such as cars.
8. Why is Ivy bad when growing on the ground?
•	Ivy provides nesting places for rats and other vermin.
•	Fast-growing ivy competes with native plants for nutrients and water.
•	Ivy changes the natural succession of the forest. If you look around, you will see few young trees to replace the mature trees when they come down. Ivy also creates "ivy deserts," where other plants, native to our environment, do not grow.
9. What can I, a private landowner, do?
Home owners are strongly encouraged to clear ivy from their trees and remove ivy and other invasive plants from the "natural areas" on their property. For more information on ivy removal see the Ivy Out website.
10. Why should I remove invasive plants and do restoration now? Why not wait?
Why should I remove invasive plants and do restoration now? Why not wait?
•	The invasive plants do not stop growing. The longer you wait, the more invasive plant material will need to be removed.
•	The longer you wait, the fewer viable native seeds will be available under the ivy for re-growth, increasing the costs of replanting and the loss of local genetic diversity.
•	The invasive plants keep spreading and destroying more native plants as they grow. More native plants will have to be purchased and replanted to fill the space left by the invasive plants.
•	The cost of removing invasive plants, buying and replanting native plants will only increase with time. It takes a generation to grow a mature tree.
11. Who do I call if I want to have ivy or other invasive plants removed from my property?
If you have landscaped property, you can get a gardening service to remove ivy and other invasive plants. Get multiple bids. It will probably be cheaper to have it done in the winter when gardening services are less busy and looking for work. Also the roots are removed more easily in the winter. In addition to commercial landscaping/gardening businesses, you might try EarthCorps, a non-profit organization.
If you have property that is currently undeveloped, is steeply sloped, contains a ravine, stream, creek or wetland, or other sensitive elements, contact City Hall at 425-744-6279 for more information and what process may apply before proceeding with any work.	EarthCorps webpage.
12. What is to prevent the ivy and other invasive plants from just growing back?
Your property needs to be monitored for re-growth and removal of the invasive re-growth annually. This is nowhere as difficult as the initial removal. If you spent 100 hours initially removing ivy, the second year will take 10 hours and future years will only take an hour.
13. What do I use to cover the bare soil after the ivy or other invasive plants have been removed?
Bare soil needs to be protected from heavy rains. The rain can cause erosion and close the pores in the soil. Be sure to protect soil from where ivy has been pulled by planting trees, shrubs and ground cover and putting down a mulch. Initially, it can be covered with 4-6" of wood chips. (Usually available for free from tree services.) Beauty bark is not a good choice. For a good article on the reasons for using arborist wood chips and not beauty bark see the article by Linda Chalker-Scott, formerly of University of Washington at Horticultural Myths.
1. What's that animal swimming in Lake Ballinger?
Nutria, an invasive type of non-native aquatic rodent, has reportedly been observed in Lake Ballinger. Nutria are not native to North America and were introduced along the Gulf Coast in the 1940s. Nutria have been found in Lake Washington and could reach Lake Ballinger. Should nutria be found at Lake Ballinger, the city will work with the Washington State Department of Agriculture to control and remove them. Report a nutria sighting to the Stormwater Program Manager at 425-744-6226.
2. Why was Lake Ballinger Island closed indefinitely?
Dangerous conditions created by a fire on Ballinger Island have caused the island to be closed indefinitely. The island has dangerous sinkholes, hazardous trees, and the ground is very unstable.
“No Trespassing on Island” signs were posted on the island and along the shores of Lake Ballinger. The City of Edmonds also installed signage in their public right-of-way to alert their residents.
The City of Mountlake Terrace will continue to evaluate the condition of Ballinger Island from a public safety standpoint and will make a determination later in 2010 on what steps to take regarding restoration of the island’s natural habitat.
Until then, Ballinger Island will remain closed to the public. If you see anyone accessing the island, please call 911 immediately.
3. Is it okay to set off fireworks in the City of Mountlake Terrace?
No. It is unlawful for any person to sell, possess, use, transfer, discharge or ignite any fireworks within the City of Mountlake Terrace. Violations will result in confiscation of fireworks and fines. For more information about the fireworks law, please contact the Police Department at 425-670-8260.
4. How do I prevent West Nile Virus and what do I do if I see a dead bird?
Please view the Prevent West Nile Virus webpage.
5. What does the city do to prepare for winter weather, and how you can help?
View the Prepare for Winter Weather webpage.
6. How can I sign up to be notified in case of emergencies or bad weather?
Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, in coordination with the county’s 911 Call Centers including Southwest Snohomish County Communications Agency (SNOCOM) Dispatch Center, has opened public enrollment in the county’s AlertSense System.
The city and other emergency response providers use the alert system to warn people quickly when hazardous weather or other emergencies may affect the local area. Residents and businesses may elect to receive alerts by email or text message.
The alert system allows individuals without landline phone service to link their address and cell phone to receive notifications affecting their registered location. Emergency information is simultaneously posted on the website when an alert is issued. Those enrolled can receive a text message or email when they are away from home.
Sign up via the AlertSense System website.
7. What is the Police Department Accreditation?
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) awarded the City of Mountlake Terrace Police Department with state accreditation at the November 21, 2011 City Council meeting. Mountlake Terrace is one of only 53 agencies in the state that have successfully attained accreditation.
The City of Mountlake Terrace Police Department received a perfect accreditation score after an onsite review by WASPC. The department was the only police agency in the state to go through the process without any negative reviews in the 140 areas scrutinized. Achieving the accreditation is a significant milestone for the police department and demonstrates the dedication and commitment to quality law enforcement of each city employee assigned to the police department.
Accreditation standards assure our community that the police department meets specific criteria set forth by state and national standards. The accreditation process is designed to increase citizen and employee confidence in the police department by establishing goals, objectives, policies, practices and a mission statement. These directives are continually reviewed to ensure that we are up to date on procedural changes and changes in the law.
8. Are there any volunteer opportunities at the city?
Mountlake Terrace offers ongoing and one-time event volunteer opportunities. Greeting visitors and answering the phone at City Hall, helping with mailing, scanning and photocopying projects, participating in a park cleanup, helping with traffic counts, purging records and evidence, assisting children in recreation programs, and database development are just some of the ways you can volunteer in our community.
Volunteering for the city is an opportunity to learn about the Mountlake Terrace community, understand how local government works and connect with other community members. It also offers you the chance to keep your skills up to date.
For additional information, please contact Human Resources at 425-744-6225.
9. How can I keep my pipes from freezing during winter weather?
Cold, freezing weather can lead to frozen water pipes. Here are some basic tips on how to prevent freezing pipes and what to do if pipes do freeze or burst.
- For outside plumbing, disconnect garden hoses, and use a molded foam cover, available at hardware stores, to protect the faucet. If your home has a separate shut off for outside faucets, shut off the valve and drain the lines by turning on all outside faucets until the water stops. Once drained turn the faucets back off. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems according to the manufacturer or installer’s instructions.
- For inside plumbing, insulate pipes in unheated areas like your crawl space, attic, garage or basement. Insulation materials may include insulating tape, molded pipe insulation or foam covers for foundation vents. Open foundation vents are a common cause for frozen or burst pipes; just remember to remove the covers in the spring. Open cabinet doors below sinks in the kitchen and bathroom to allow pipes more heat in the walls behind or within the cabinets. Allow a small amount of water to flow at problem locations. Only a small stream of water at a location in your home farthest from the street is required. This movement of water prevents freezing, using cold water will save on your utility bills.
- If your pipes freeze, do not use an open flame; heat the affected pipe with a hair dryer or heat lamp. Do not leave the frozen pipe unattended.
- If your pipe bursts, shut off the water inside your home at the shut off valve. Most homes have a valve located near the water heater, or where the water enters the home. It is highly recommended that you know where this valve is or have one installed if you do not currently have one.
- If you do not have a shut off valve and water must be shut off at the street, contact the Public Works Department at 425-670-8264 during business hours or at 911 after hours.
- Repair of a pipe on the customer’s side of the water meter is the homeowner’s responsibility. Contacting a plumber if you are unable to make the repair yourself is recommended.