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Protect Your Pipes!

Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes, leading to costly repairs and inconvenience. In this article we will explore practical tips to help you winterize your pipes and ensure a smoothly running plumbing system during the colder months.

  1. Insulate Exposed Pipes: One of the most effective ways to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Identify any exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as basements, crawl spaces, or attics, and wrap them with insulation sleeves or tape. This extra layer provides a barrier against the cold and helps maintain a stable temperature.
  2. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks that may allow cold air to seep in and reach your pipes. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal these openings, especially around windows and doors. By creating a well-insulated environment, you reduce the risk of freezing pipes and improve overall energy efficiency.
  3. Keep Interior Temperatures Consistent: Maintaining a consistent temperature inside your home is crucial during winter. Set your thermostat to a minimum temperature, even when you’re away, to ensure that your pipes stay warm. A temperature range of 55-60°F (12-15°C) is generally recommended to prevent freezing.
  4. Allow Faucets to Drip: On extremely cold nights, letting faucets drip can prevent water from standing still in the pipes and freezing. This continuous flow, even at a slow rate, can alleviate pressure and reduce the likelihood of pipe bursts. Focus on faucets connected to pipes along exterior walls.
  5. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: Before winter sets in, disconnect and drain any outdoor hoses. Water left in hoses can freeze and back up into your pipes, causing blockages and potential damage. Store hoses in a shed or garage to protect them from the cold.
  6. Shut Off Exterior Water Sources: If you have exterior water sources like outdoor faucets or irrigation systems, be sure to shut them off and drain the water before winter arrives. This prevents water from freezing in the pipes and causing damage.

Taking the time to winterize your pipes is a small investment that can save you from the headache and expense of dealing with frozen or burst pipes. By insulating, sealing gaps, maintaining consistent interior temperatures, and taking precautions with outdoor plumbing, you can ensure a smooth and worry-free winter for your home. Stay warm and protected!

Special Trash Pickup This Saturday, December 30!

The Board of HCMUD 217 has arranged for an extra trash pickup on Saturday, December 30.

Please place your NEW trash cans out by 6 a.m. to ensure your trash is collected.

The next regularly scheduled trash day will be Thursday, January 4, 2024.

For information on our new trash service, please visit the Garbage page.

December 20, 2023 Board Meeting

The HCMUD 217 Board of Directors will be having a Board Meeting.

When: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.

Where:  HCMUD 217 Administration Building, 12248 T.C. Jester Blvd, Houston, Texas 77067

The Board will conduct an in-person meeting at its physical meeting location. As an accommodation, the Board is making available a telephone and/or video option for members of the public to listen to the meeting and to address the Board.

To Participate by Telephone:
+1 218-321-0370
PIN: ‪242 024 755‬‬#

To Participate by Videoconference:
meet.google.com/uhc-bsro-suf

Meetings are open to the public. Residents are welcome to participate and hear updates about the District.

The Meeting Agenda can be found by clicking the link below.

December 12, 2023 Special Board Meeting

The HCMUD 217 Board of Directors will be having a Special Board Meeting.

When: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.

Where:  HCMUD 217 Administration Building, 12248 T.C. Jester Blvd, Houston, Texas 77067

The Board will conduct an in-person meeting at its physical meeting location.

Meetings are open to the public. Residents are welcome to participate and hear updates about the District.

The Meeting Agenda can be found by clicking the link below.

Winter Festival Recap

It’s the most wonderful time of year!

The Board of Directors of Harris County MUD 217 had a wonderful time celebrating our Winter Festival along side our amazing community.

We are so grateful for all of the families who were able to attend and the fantastic vendors and donors who put in the effort to make it all possible.

We hope to see you again next Christmas!

To view the entire event gallery, please click the photo below!

Winter Festival with Santa & Mrs. Claus!

Harris County MUD 217 would like to invite you and your family to our
Winter Festival with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

When: Saturday December 2, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: HCMUD 217 Admin Building, 12248 T C Jester Blvd., Houston, TX 77067

November 28, 2023 Board Meeting

The HCMUD 217 Board of Directors will be having a Board Meeting.

When: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.

Where:  HCMUD 217 Administration Building, 12248 T.C. Jester Blvd, Houston, Texas 77067

The Board will conduct an in-person meeting at its physical meeting location. As an accommodation, the Board is making available a telephone and/or video option for members of the public to listen to the meeting and to address the Board.

To Participate by Telephone:
+1 218-321-0370
PIN: ‪242 024 755‬‬#

To Participate by Videoconference:
meet.google.com/uhc-bsro-suf

Meetings are open to the public. Residents are welcome to participate and hear updates about the District.

The Meeting Agenda can be found by clicking the link below.

Don’t Clog the Pipes This Holiday Season

When it comes to disposing of food waste, many of us have developed the habit of simply rinsing it down the kitchen sink. However, food items can cause serious problems in our plumbing system, leading to clogs, blockages, and even damage. That’s the last thing you want to deal with when hosting family members during the holiday season. We will explore some surprising food items that should never go down the drain and provide alternative methods for disposing of them effectively and responsibly.  

Fats, Oils, and Grease – Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) come from meat fats, shortening, butter, margarine, gravy, and condiments like mayonnaise, dressings, sauces, and sour cream.  Pouring these items down the drain may seem harmless, but they can cause major issues—especially during the holidays. As these substances cool, they solidify and create blockages in your pipes. Instead, let oil and grease cool then dispose of it in a sealed container for the trash. Or recycle used cooking oil when possible— visit https://recyclenation.com to search for a local option. Alternatively, consider waiting until the substance has cooled enough that you can wipe the dish or pan down with a paper towel and throw it in the trash. Don’t use a cloth towel to wipe off the dishes as this will just send the FOG to the pipes connected to your washing machine.  

Coffee Grounds – While coffee grounds may appear harmless, they can clump together and create a thick sludge in your drains. Instead of pouring them down the sink, use them in your garden as compost or add them to your indoor plants for natural fertilization. If you want to get creative, you can use the coffee grounds as a natural exfoliant for your skin and face. You can rub them on your body during a shower to help remove built up dirt and grime. To make a coffee ground face mask, simply add a few drops of micellar water and stir until clumpy. Leave on for about 10 minutes then gently rub and wash off with warm water. 

Eggshells – During the holidays, no single ingredient is used more than eggs. From every dish cooked to every dessert baked, and even for snacks in between, eggs will most definitely be used this holiday season. But what to do with the eggshells? Eggshells are often mistakenly thought to be safe for disposal in the sink. However, they can stick to the pipe walls and contribute to clogs. Dispose of eggshells by adding them to your compost bin or grinding them into small pieces and scattering them in your garden to enrich the soil. But don’t limit yourself to just the compost bin, eggshells can be used in various ways. Use an eggshell as a seedling pot and start your garden from an egg carton! Make sure to add a small drainage hole on the bottom to ensure proper water flow. You can also make chalk from eggshells. Simply mix together ground eggshells, water, flour, and food coloring. This is great to do with children and safe for them to use daily! 

Fruits & Vegetables – Peels from fruits and vegetables may seem harmless, but they really are not. Instead, utilize these peels by incorporating them in recipes, making fruit and vegetable stock, or adding them to a compost pile. Fibrous vegetables, such as celery, asparagus, and corn husks, should never go down the drain. The strings and fibers in these vegetables can wrap around your garbage disposal unit or clog the pipes. Add them to your compost bin or wrap them in newspaper and put them in the trash. Using a sink strainer can also help catch these fibers for easy disposal. 

Helpful Tips to Keep Your Pipes Clean

Curbing the habit of tossing everything down the drain is a great way to make sure your pipes are ready for the holiday season, but maintaining your pipes will ensure they are clear all year long! To unclog a dirty drain, try mixing a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part baking soda and pouring it down the drain immediately. After one hour, pour hot water down the drain to flush the pipe. Doing this on a regular basis will help clear out the accumulation of FOG and prevent further buildup. 

Proper disposal of food waste is essential for maintaining a healthy plumbing system. By avoiding the common practice of rinsing food items down the drain, we can prevent clogs, blockages, and potential damage to our pipes. Instead, consider alternative methods such as composting, reusing, or even recycling to dispose of these surprising food items responsibly. Let’s make mindful choices this holiday season and all year round for the well-being of our plumbing and environment.