Drain all water from pipes regardless of whether you are leaving the heat on or off.
Properly winterizing your summer home can prevent frozen pipes from bursting and causing water damage and expensive repairs. Whether you choose to leave the heat on or off, turning off the main water supply valve and draining the water from the pipes of the dwelling is a necessary step when winterizing your vacation home.
Instructions
Water Supply Draining Instructions for Heat-On or Heat-Off
1. Shut-off the main building water supply valve.
2. Open all outdoor faucets to let remaining water in the pipes drain out. Remove any garden hoses attached to the outdoor faucet.
3. Open all indoor faucets and let the remaining water in the pipes drain out.
4. Drain water pump and pressure tank and turn off the electrical power.
5. Remove the remaining water from the bathroom's toilet bowl using a plunger. Flush the toilet to let the excess water drain out. Add RV antifreeze to the toilet and tank.
6. Drain the water out of the hot water tank.
Instructions For Electric Heating Systems
7. Locate the "off" position on your electric heating unit.
8. Turn the electric heating unit to "off." Do not be tempted to just turn down the heating thermostat.
9. Find your circuit breaker panel and locate the fuse or breaker directing electrical power to your heating system unit. Remove the fuse or turn the breaker to off. This is to ensure your heating system unit does not accidentally turn on during the winter months.
Instructions for Hot Air Heating Systems
10. Locate the burner emergency switch usually positioned at the top of the stairs. Turn the burner switch off.
11. Drain the humidifier located on the furnace.
12. Empty all water for circulated hot water and steam systems unless the heating system contains anti-freeze, in which case a professional plumber is advised.
Instructions for Leaving the Heat-On
13. Turn your thermostat down to 55-56 degrees Fahrenheit.
14. Turn off the main water supply valve if the building is heated by a warm air furnace or by any electric heat systems that does not require water to create heat.
15. Follow the water supply draining instructions above. If the building is warmed by a system that uses water to create heat, such as a steam boiler, do not turn off the main water supply valve or you will severely damage your water heating system.
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