Any Winterization Tips?

[Chris Wallace]

Hi folks, I'm securing a vacant property for the winter, this will be my first time winterizing a property. The gas service has been shut off and the meter removed. I'm now waiting on the city to cut off the water service any tips on draining the water from the system after the water service is turned off? 

Any other tips for a newb?

Thanks,

Chris

[Roy N.]

@Chris Wallace

You will need to drain any hot water tanks.  

Toilets will need to be drained and then antifreeze put into the traps to prevent the remaining water from freezing.  Similarly, you will want to pour antifreeze into the traps on all your sinks, washer drain, etc.  We use the antifreeze folks put into their RV water tanks (it's not toxic).

If your meter is in the building (basement hopefully), you should be able to take apart the joint below the meter, then open all of the faucets in the property to drain the lines.  Worse case, you may need to blow air through the lines to force the water out.

You can always hire a plumber or PM company to winterize the house for you.