Leaving your South Lake Tahoe home empty, even for a week, can invite costly water surprises. A slow drip behind a wall or a burst from frozen pipes can add up fast, and you might not know until the damage is done. If your home is served by South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD), you have tools to prevent problems and catch leaks early. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose between shutting water off or leaving it on, the exact steps to winterize, what STPUD does in emergencies, fees to expect, and how to seek bill relief and rebates. Let’s dive in.
South Lake Tahoe leak risks at a glance
Cold snaps are normal here, which means frozen pipes are a real risk in vacant homes. STPUD’s winterizing guidance recommends keeping your thermostat at 65°F if you leave water on, opening cabinet doors so warm air can reach pipes, and using your interior shutoff valve if you decide to turn water off. You’ll also want your STPUD account contact info current so the District can reach you if something looks wrong. You can find these tips on STPUD’s published winterizing tips.
Choose your strategy: water on or off
If you leave water on
- Maintain heat at about 65°F to help prevent frozen pipes, as noted in STPUD’s winterizing guidance.
- Enable WaterSmart leak alerts so you get notified of continuous flow while you’re away. STPUD promotes this tool on its leak awareness page.
- Place simple water sensors under sinks, near the water heater, dishwasher, and toilets.
- Ask a trusted neighbor or property manager to check the home regularly.
If you turn water off
- Use your home’s interior main shutoff valve and open faucets to drain lines, following STPUD’s winterizing steps.
- If your home has an interior fire sprinkler or another system that needs water, consult a qualified professional before shutting anything off.
- Consider a whole‑home automatic shutoff device that closes the valve if it detects a leak. STPUD announced new incentives, including discounted Moen automatic shutoff devices, on its incentives page.
Step‑by‑step checklist before you go
- Update your STPUD account email and phone so leak alerts and staff calls reach you fast.
- Sign up for WaterSmart and enable leak notifications for continuous flow.
- Test your interior shutoff valve. Label it so a caretaker can find it quickly.
- Install point water sensors in high‑risk spots. Replace batteries before winter.
- Consider an automatic shutoff device for an added layer of protection.
- Create a simple plan with a local contact who can access the property and act quickly if STPUD or your alerts flag a problem.
- If you prefer STPUD to turn water off or on at the meter, schedule during regular hours to minimize fees. See the District’s official fee schedule for details.
What STPUD will do in an emergency
If a high‑volume leak is detected and STPUD cannot reach you, the District may dispatch staff to shut off your service to protect property and the system. STPUD references an example threshold of about 500 gallons per hour for emergency action, and any staff shutoff will include the standard service‑call fee. Keep your contact info updated so you can make decisions before it comes to that. STPUD outlines this on its winterizing tips page.
STPUD water on/off services and fees
When you request STPUD to turn water off or on at the meter, standard service‑call charges apply. The District’s fee schedule lists minimums of $75 during regular working hours, $190 after hours, and $240 on holidays. If you ask for water off and then request reconnection within five business days, the reconnection during regular hours is not charged. STPUD also notes a waived‑charge option if you provide documentation that you are installing or repairing your own shutoff valve. Review the official fee schedule for current details in STPUD’s Administrative Code.
Find leaks fast, fix them, and seek bill relief
- Use WaterSmart to track hourly use and catch continuous flow early. STPUD promotes this tool on its Fix a Leak page.
- After you repair a leak, you can apply for a leak adjustment. STPUD asks you to submit within 30 days of discovering the leak and to include proof of repair. Check the current form and rules on the District’s site.
- STPUD offers leak‑repair rebates. Program amounts and eligibility can change, so verify current options on the District’s Rebates and Services page.
If you’re worried about shutoffs for nonpayment
STPUD reports it stopped residential disconnections for nonpayment in 2020 and recorded zero residential disconnections in 2023. You can read the District’s policy and the state protections under the Water Shutoff Protection Act on STPUD’s discontinuation of service page. If you need help, contact the District to discuss options.
Selling or changing occupants? Know the start/stop rules
STPUD does not perform routine turn‑ons or turn‑offs between ownership changes for escrow closings. New owners must notify the District after close of escrow to open service in their name. If you’re vacating a property or prepping it for showings or short‑term rental, plan your water strategy and account steps ahead of time. See STPUD’s instructions on how to start or stop service.
Insurance and documentation basics
If a sudden leak causes damage, report it to your insurer promptly and document everything with photos and invoices. Some policies treat vacant homes differently, and long‑term or maintenance‑related issues are often excluded. For general guidance on claims and timelines, review the California Department of Insurance’s homeowner resources on filing property claims.
Local STPUD resources
- Customer support and after‑hours emergencies: visit STPUD’s contact page.
- Programs, rebates, and leak resources: explore STPUD’s Rebates and Services and Fix a Leak pages.
Ready to protect your Tahoe home and plan your next move with confidence? For local, step‑by‑step guidance on buying, selling, or managing a vacant property, reach out to Cristal Morris.
FAQs
STPUD emergency leak shutoff while I’m away
- STPUD may shut off water if a high‑volume leak is detected and you cannot be reached, and a service‑call fee applies.
STPUD fees for turning water off or on at the meter
- Minimum service‑call charges apply, with lower costs during regular hours and higher after hours or holidays; check STPUD’s published fee schedule.
STPUD leak adjustment timing after a repair
- Submit your leak adjustment request within 30 days of discovering the leak and include proof of repair per STPUD’s guidance.
WaterSmart leak alerts for vacant homes
- Yes, enroll in WaterSmart to see hourly use and get alerts for continuous flow, which helps catch hidden leaks early.
Starting service after home purchase in South Lake Tahoe
- New owners must contact STPUD after close of escrow to open service in their name; routine turn‑ons are not handled during escrow.
