This is a continuation of the main drain line replacement effort started in February.

URGENT NOTICE

Overnight Building Wide Water Shutdown

Wednesday April 29th 7pm thru Thursday April 30th 9am

All Locations – Residential & Commercial Units and Common Areas Included

This is Phase 2 of the main drain line work started in February. In this case, to accommodate replacement of the main Bathroom drain line to the sewer in our lower level mechanical area, HOT AND COLD water will be shut off and unavailable overnight Wednesday April 29th at 7pm through Thursday morning April 30th, around 9:00 AM.  This impacts ALL water in the building – kitchens, bathrooms, common areas, amenities, commercial units, etc. 

Once water does come back on, it will take time for the building to completely fill from top to bottom, and for the hot water to come up to temperature. Maintenance estimates that barring unforeseen challenges, this will be approximately noon on Thursday. 

PLEASE DO NOT USE ANY BATHROOM DRAIN LINES FOR ANY PURPOSE FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EFFORT – If anything is put down bathroom drains, it could pose a safety hazard to workers and WILL interfere with repair work being done, delaying water service being restored. We understand not having bathroom facilities can be a challenge, but please don’t flush until water service is restored. 

While it is the main bathroom drain line being worked on, due to how water service is interconnected, the shutdown impacts everything. Incidentally, our team is coordinating a number of other efforts while this is underway, including the installation of new PRVs (pressure reducing valves) in our mechanical room on 2p, which require a water shut off as well. So they are killing as many birds as they can with one stone.

We intend to keep everyone posted via e-mail and text messages as necessary, with any important updates. If you are not subscribed for texts, you can do so anytime. Just text the word “PTCAmaintenance” to 94253.

How To Prepare For A Water Shutdown

Being prepared for a water shutdown in a high-rise apartment is key to minimizing the challenges caused by the disruption. Unfortunately we cannot address bathroom facilities alternatives here, as it is very important bath tubs, toilets and bathroom sinks not be used, in this particular case.

Otherwise, here are some practical tips to help you get ready:

1. Pay Attention to the Notices – Know the Date and Duration

Put the details in your calendar, cell phone, or other smart device… note the expected date and time of the water shutdown and anticipated duration. And during the outage, watch for any updates from our team.

2. Prepare Alternate Water Sources 

Stock some bottled water for the event, especially if you don’t have room to store large containers of water.

Containers: Fill smaller containers (buckets, pitchers, large bowls) that can be used for drinking water, cooking, and cleaning.

Drinking Water Is Critical: Don’t forget to store enough drinking water—a good , around a gallon per person for the duration of the shutdown.

3. Have Appropriate Hygiene Products Stocked

Wet Wipes: Stock up on wet wipes for personal hygiene, especially if you won’t have access to water for showers. REMEMBER – DO NOT FLUSH WIPES…even if it says so on the packaging, even so called “flushable wipes” are terrible for high rise plumbing and flushing them could lead to flooding and significant property damage. (Learn more about that here: https://www.ptcondo.com/wipes-are-not-flushable/)

Hand Sanitizer: Make sure you have hand sanitizer on hand, as washing your hands with water might not be possible.

4. Cook in Advance

Meal Prep: Prepare meals in advance that don’t require water to cook or clean up. Canned goods, pre-cooked meals, and microwaveable food can save a lot of hassle.

Avoid Cooking During Shutdown: If you need to cook during the water shutdown, try to limit it to things that don’t require washing dishes.

REMEMBER – for this particular project on February 11th and 12th, no water or materials should be put down bathroom drains or toilets, for the duration of the work.

5. Clean Up Before the Shutdown

Try to do all your dishes, laundry, and any cleaning that requires water before the shutdown begins. The last thing you want is to be stuck with dirty dishes and laundry without a way to clean them.

6. Ensure You Have Alternatives for Cleaning

Disinfectant Wipes: Keep plenty of disinfectant wipes around for wiping down surfaces.

Paper Towels: Keep paper towels stocked for cleaning and drying as needed.

Bonus Tip: Emergency Supplies

Have an Emergency Kit: Always a good idea to have a small emergency kit with things like a flashlight, battery-powered fan, and a first aid kit, just in case the water is shut off longer than expected and we unexpectedly end up in a situation where power is also affected – for example if there is very severe weather.

And speaking of that, it is always good to stay brushed up on the PTCA Resident Emergency Procedures. For the handbook, Click Here.

It will be less of a challenge and inconvenience if you prepare in advance, the help get through the water shutdown more smoothly!