Have a Plumber Help Winterize Your Vacation Home - It’s Important!

Posted: Feb 12, 2013
Author: Minyard Plumbing, Inc.

If you’re going to be away from home for an extended time, or you’re shutting down a vacation home, you should make plans now to have the plumbing system winterized. Ideally, you should use the services of a professional plumber to see to its hibernation needs, but if you are a good DIYer, you can address some items.

• Shut off the plumbing at the main line, even if the chances of freezing weather are unlikely. You don’t want a plumbing emergency, like an overflowing toilet or a burst pipe. If a leak occurred with no one around to notice, it could be catastrophic.
• All outside hoses should be drained and stored and the exterior faucets covered with insulation.
• The water in all supply lines and traps should be drained. This is one thing that you should have a professional plumber do.
• Pour a little non-toxic anti-freeze into all sinks, floor drains, showers, tubs and toilets. You can buy this from a marine supply store or an RV center. You can also put a bit of anti-freeze into your automatic washer, ice-maker and dishwasher because they hold water, which could freeze and split the motors and/or pumps. (Be sure to rinse these out before using them again.)
• Cover all the toilet bowls with plastic wrap to keep any sewer gases from seeping out and to prevent evaporation.
• Insulate the hot water heater with an insulating blanket.
• If you have a swimming pool, close it.

Carry out the above winterizing precautions, and your home should be pretty well covered. If you’re not sure about anything, don’t hesitate to speak to your plumber.