Winterizing

Winterizing in the colder states means taking steps to hopefully eliminate any damage to the house when no one is living there. Water damage to interior structures from water freezing in plumbing  pipes is probably the most common thing experienced  from not properly winterizing a house. So if the intent is to not heat the house or portions of the house where the plumbing resides, then steps must be taken to ensure there isn't water in the pipes that can freeze and crack the pipes.

We were scheduled to do an inspection at a house and upon arriving there we were met by very disappointed buyers.  There was a problem. The house had been vacant during the winter and the water was turned "on" to the house just several days prior for the inspection. When the buyers and their agent opened the house for the home inspection they found the interior of the house in a very different condition from when they had made their offer to buy it.  

Apparently, plumbing on the second floor had been damaged from freezing months before and when the water was turned "on" to the house the result was a waterfall from the first floor ceiling on down through the basement ceiling resulting in a foot of water above the basement floor.

With water coming down everywhere from the ceilings it looked like a rainfall in an amazon forest.

   The sump pump in the basement was working furiously but didn't stand a chance.  

It's best to have a house winterized by a professional and for someone to check on the home for a couple of hours after the water is turned back on to look for signs of leaks.

---Ken