Q&A for How to Winterize a Vacant Home

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How much pressure is needed to blow out the lines with an air compressor?

Community Answer

Anywhere between 15 - 80 psi would probably be fine--just don't exceed 80 psi. The main thing you'll need is air volume, not pressure.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 20
Question

What type of antifreeze should I use?

Community Answer

RV antifreeze. It is made for winterizing anything you don't want to freeze. It is not the same antifreeze you put in your radiator, it is less expensive and usually red in color. It can be found at any hardware store, auto store, or big box store. It comes in gallon plastic jugs.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 9
Question

Once the water is shut off, should I turn off the circuit breaker to the electric water heater?

Community Answer

You can and it's not a bad practice at all. In fact, that's your only option if there are no external settings on the water heater itself.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11
Question

How do I prevent the water in the toilet bowl from freezing?

Community Answer

Just dump a half-gallon of anti-freeze into each toilet and two cups into every drain trap. The anti-freeze will replace the water, so there won't be anything left that can freeze. Turn off your ice maker, empty any water filters and instant hot water devices, and drain the entire water supply system as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Question

Do I need to drain the hot water tank?

Community Answer

Yes, you do. This will ensure that the tank does not get damaged over the winter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
Question

Should I drain my water heater if I'm going to turn the water off?

Community Answer

Only if it'll be subject to freezing or left unattended for a long period of time.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
Question

Should I file an empty house form with the local police or report anything to my homeowner's insurance company?

Community Answer

Sure, if the cops offer such a thing. You don't need to report anything to insurance, but if you're unfamiliar with your coverage, you should talk to them. Typically, they won't pay for any damage resulting from a lack of whole house heating.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
Question

Should I turn the pump off during the winter if I have a well?

JohnySins444

Community Answer

If you have a well pump, you do not need to turn it off, as there's no danger of it freezing.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 3
Question

What about the brass screws that are in the outdoor hot and cold water valves? Should they be screwed in or left unscrewed?

Community Answer

They should be left unscrewed or wide open, so any water remnants can drain out and any freezing has somewhere to expand into.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

Do I need to change filters in the winter when the heat is turned down and the house is closed up?

Community Answer

It's a good practice, if you don't change them regularly. But there's no need nor benefit to changing them just for a season of minimal heating.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 6