In northern states, winter seasons are brutal and can take its toll on the condition of your home or one that you are managing. In vacant homes with no heat, plumbing is subject to freezing and possible rupture of any water tight seals. This can cause leakage and substantial damage when any water line melts. Follow these simple steps on how to properly winterize your home to protect its value and insure no further maintenance costs:
- Shut off water at meter and/or main water”shutoff” valve inside the home.
- Loosen supply line at meter (where allowed by local ordinance).
- Drain water heater and any well or holding tanks other than heating system.
- Shut off gas or electricity to water heater. Place a protective sign identifying winterization.
- Drain all internal and external water supply lines, including any well or holding tanks, and clear with positive air pressure.
- Leave all faucets and intermediate valves from the shutdown point open, including all outside still cocks.
- Drain all water closet tanks/toilets and then add environmentally friendly antifreeze to tanks.
- Put a minus 50 degree environmentally friendly antifreeze solution in the following:
- Water closet bowl traps
- Laundry floor drain traps
- Lavatory traps
- Basement floor drain traps
- Kitchen sink traps
- Bar sink traps
- Laundry tub traps
- Shower traps
- Sauna floor drain traps
- Place special non-toxic environmentally friendly antifreeze solution in dishwasher drains, and run cycle to ensure solution entered pump.
- Place sign on toilets and most visible window next to front door. Include contact information.
We advise leaving electrical service and heating systems “ON” and set at 55 degrees during winter months. If you have any questions regarding how to properly winterize your property or need help winterizing your property in the Chicagoland area, contact our property preservation team at info@pearsonrealtygroup.com.
