Bill H Posted October 30, 2009 Report Share Posted October 30, 2009 Does anyone have any information on winterizing an empty home? I have been asked by several Realtors and there is nobody in the area that performs this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Morrison Posted October 30, 2009 Report Share Posted October 30, 2009 First off, I'd say: Don't. Because more often than not, it isn't done right and it results in damage. But if someone just has to: They shut off the water supply to the house. Then, open every fixture and drain all of the water of the pipes, water heater, and boiler. Next, pour anti-freeze in all of the traps and toilets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Fabry Posted October 30, 2009 Report Share Posted October 30, 2009 Next, pour anti-freeze in all of the traps and toilets. It'd friendly to use propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. When I winterize a cottage or home I use a compressor to blow out the water lines. Don't forget to empty the toilet tanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieb Posted October 31, 2009 Report Share Posted October 31, 2009 Like chad said. use the air to push all water out. Start at the fixture closest to the water service entrance. 30 lbs. air pressure. Use RV anti freeze from Walmart. A dishwasher is a trap. Close off the water heater and washing machine valves after the blown out is complete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erby Posted October 31, 2009 Report Share Posted October 31, 2009 Google for "hud winterization standards" You'll get plenty of information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted October 31, 2009 Report Share Posted October 31, 2009 From what I've seen of winterized homes going through hard winters, the best winterization would be keeping the heat on and installing thermostatic sensors in appropriate locations and tie them to one of those online safety alert computer programs. Alarm sounds, send over a technician. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H Posted October 31, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2009 thank you for the information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark P Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 From what I hear banks don’t pay much to have a home winterized ($40 - $50) and they seem to get what they pay for. This past Spring I cannot count the number of homes that had broken pipes when they were de-winterized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 From what I hear banks donââ¬â¢t pay much to have a home winterized ($40 - $50) and they seem to get what they pay for. This past Spring I cannot count the number of homes that had broken pipes when they were de-winterized. Pipes, radiators, delaminated drywall, loose tape seams, warped flooring, wood lath and scratch coats separating, etc., etc. Freezing a house screws them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghentjr Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 To add to Kurt, a boiler will never be right again after the castings get below freezing. The push nipples usually loosen and leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregzoll Posted November 2, 2009 Report Share Posted November 2, 2009 There is a video on Ask This Old House, where they Winterized a home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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