Have You Winterized Your Home?

If you are a part-time resident in the mountains, you should have already winterized your home, if you are not here in the Winter.  Yesterday morning at the house we had a low of 12 degrees, and the temperature stayed below freezing all day.  This morning the low was 14 degrees at my home, and 12 degrees at Paul’s home.  With these temperatures in an unheated home, freezing of pipes is a possibility.  Leaving the heat on at a low setting is a solution, but can be a huge problem if we have inclement weather and the power goes off.

The best way to winterize, is to have it done professionally.  We can recommend a plumber for this if you do not have one on your list.  A plumber will drain all your water pipes, then blow the pipes clear of all water using compressed air.  A complete job of winterizing includes draining hoses to the dishwasher and the refrigerator ice maker.  A plumber will drain all water closet tanks and pour RV antifreeze into the bowls to protect them.  He will also pour a small amount of antifreeze into each drain so that drain water in the drain traps will not freeze.  A plumber will turn off the main water line to the home and cut the power to the pump if you have a well.  Each of these steps is important to prevent freeze damage, and save you from a big headache in the Spring.

Check us out on Facebook and let us know what you’re thinking.  While you’re at it, check out Cataloochee Ski Area on Facebook.  Because of the early snow this year they are now open to the top of the quad.  THINK SNOW!