When Winter Threatens Your Empty Home: The Critical Importance of Professional Plumbing Winterization
Every year, thousands of property owners return to their vacant homes and seasonal cabins to discover a nightmare scenario: burst pipes, flooded rooms, and thousands of dollars in water damage. Neglecting to winterize plumbing can result in catastrophic damage. Water that freezes inside pipes expands, potentially causing cracks or bursts. In vacant homes, these issues often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.
It is particularly important to winterize pipes in any buildings that will be vacant over winter, such as a cabin or seasonal business. Pipes that freeze are at risk of it bursting, which can cause significant damage to your home and be expensive to repair. The stakes are especially high for vacant properties because a vacation homeowner’s worst fear is returning in the spring to discover burst pipes and a flooded house.
Understanding the Winterization Process
Winterization in plumbing refers to preparing the system to endure freezing temperatures by completely removing water, applying non-toxic antifreeze, and sealing exposed areas. Preparing the plumbing system of a vacant house for cold weather involves detailed processes to safeguard against freezing temperatures. This includes not just draining water from pipes but also ensuring no residual moisture is left that could expand and cause damage during freezing conditions.
The winterization process begins with shutting off the main water supply. The most important thing you need to do, especially if you’re leaving a house unoccupied for the entire winter, is shut off your water supply. Leaving the water on when the lines aren’t going to be used can lead to a leak or burst pipe, which can cause a lot of damage. For vacant properties, when winterizing a vacant house, you need to shut the water off before it even reaches your home. This is done by asking your city to come out and shut off your water supply at the street.
Essential Steps in Professional Winterization
Professional winterization involves several critical steps that go beyond simply turning off the water. Using an air compressor to blow out water from pipes ensures all moisture is removed. The compressor forces compressed air through the plumbing system, displacing any remaining water. This method helps prevent frozen pipes and potential water damage during winter.
Water heaters require special attention during the winterization process. Water heaters are commonly missed in the winterization process. But it’s critical that you open your water heater’s drain and let the water out. Additionally, First, turn off the electrical or gas service to your water heater. If you drain it but don’t shut off the gas or electricity, you can risk burning out the heating element which can cost about $60 to $70 to repair. After turning off the water heater, drain it completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Antifreeze application is another crucial component. Adding antifreeze is a technical process best handled by professionals. They use environmentally friendly, biodegradable antifreeze specifically designed for plumbing systems in homes, boats, and RVs. The antifreeze is strategically applied to toilet bowls, tanks, sinks, and drains to protect against freezing. Make sure you purchase and use non-toxic antifreeze. You’ll know it’s non-toxic because it is pink, not blue.
Why Professional Service Matters
While some property owners attempt DIY winterization, the complexity and potential consequences make professional service invaluable. In conclusion, knowing how to winterize a vacant house isn’t the easiest task for a do-it-yourselfer. For homeowners with basic mechanical skills and knowledge, and the needed tools and equipment, it can take 4 to 8 hours. A professional plumber can do all of this in about 30-60 minutes. And you’ll be certain of the results.
Hiring professional plumbers reduces the likelihood of such issues. Experts ensure your home’s plumbing system is fully prepared for winter by using specialized equipment and techniques to drain the system, add antifreeze, and protect exposed areas. This minimizes risks, saves you time, and provides peace of mind, knowing the job is done right.
Protecting Your Investment with MasterTech Plumbing
For property owners in Mid-Missouri, MasterTech Plumbing, Heating and Cooling understands the unique challenges of protecting vacant properties through harsh winter months. As a locally owned and operated company based in Columbia, MO, specializing in comprehensive plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services, they bring decades of experience to winterization projects.
Founded in 1990, MasterTech has built a reputation on their core values of quality service and customer satisfaction. At MasterTech Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we understand your home is your sanctuary. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the highest quality plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services possible. We’re proud to be an award-winning company, and we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service. That’s why we offer a satisfaction guarantee on all of our work. If you’re not happy with our services, we’ll make it right.
Whether you need winterization services for a seasonal cabin in Boone County or a vacant investment property throughout Mid-Missouri, working with an experienced Plumber Boone County, MO ensures your property receives comprehensive protection. Our centrally-located dispatch office in Columbia, MO allows us to quickly respond to calls throughout Mid-Missouri, making professional winterization services accessible when you need them most.
The Cost of Prevention vs. Repair
Such precautions are essential to prevent costly plumbing repairs and maintain the structural integrity of your home. Winterization isn’t just about stopping pipes from freezing; it’s a proactive step to protect your investment. The relatively modest cost of professional winterization pales in comparison to the potential thousands of dollars in damage from burst pipes, flooded basements, and structural repairs.
Especially if you are leaving a building vacant over winter, not winterizing the pipes can cause a lot of damage, leave a big mess, and result in high repair costs. Insurance complications can compound these costs, as if you do not follow the procedures as outlined by your insurance policy, such as maintaining heat in the building or shutting off and draining the plumbing system, that damage may NOT be covered.
Conclusion
Protecting vacant properties and seasonal homes from freeze damage requires more than good intentions—it demands professional expertise and thorough execution. The winterization process involves complex procedures that, when done incorrectly, can leave your property vulnerable to catastrophic damage. By investing in professional winterization services, property owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing their investment is protected throughout the harsh winter months.
Don’t gamble with your property’s safety. Contact a qualified plumbing professional to discuss winterization services before winter weather arrives. The small investment in professional winterization today can save you from discovering a frozen, flooded nightmare when you return to your property in spring.