How Important is Winterization?

How important is winterizing a property? Very important! Taking the proper precautions to preserve the plumbing during cold weather months will protect against freeze damage and problems down the road. As a general rule, winterization is required between October 1^st and March 31^st; local requirements may vary, please check with the appropriate Coordinator for details about winterization requirements in your area.

Upon the initial inspection of a property, Superior Home Services requires our field representatives to confirm that the water has been turned off and the house has been winterized. If the house has NOT been winterized, the representative needs to contact Superior immediately and provide a bid to winterize and to arrange for the water to be turned off.

If Superior has given permission for water to be turned on during the repair process, it is the representative’s responsibility to turn the water off, drain all necessary piping and re-winterize upon completion of repairs. If this is not done, the representative will assume the monetary responsibility of repairing any freeze damage resulting from this oversight.

Procedures:

The water supply to the property must be shut off at the curb. If curb shut off is not possible, the main interior water supply must be shut off. Tags, labels, or warning signs must be affixed to all items winterized and must include the winterization date and the name, address, and telephone number of the company that performed the work. For properties with wells, the pump (if not submersible) and the tank must be drained.

Winterization procedures for systems:

Dry Heat Systems- The hot water heater and all domestic supply and distribution piping must be thoroughly drained. All faucets and valves must be opened in the process and then closed after draining is completed. Adequate amounts of antifreeze are to be placed in all fixture traps, including toilet tanks and bowls.

Wet Heat Systems- The winterization requirements outlined for dry heat systems apply. In addition, the house boiler system must be thoroughly drained. All radiator vents are to be opened in the process; bleeder pins must not be removed from the radiators.

Radiant Heat Systems- The winterization requirements outlined for dry heat systems apply. In addition, winterization must include a thorough draining of the heater. Radiant heat piping must be drained and blown dry by compressed air pressure, and an adequate amount of antifreeze is to be put in the radiant piping.

Sump Pumps- Where there is an existing sump pump used to keep the basement or crawl space dry, the electricity should be on to ensure the property is not damage by flooding. If the electricity is not on, the representative must notify Superior immediately.