closing up my house for two months

richard52 · Nov 17, 2008

I live in Michigan, and will be gone for the months of February and March. I would like to know what I need to do to prepare my house for these two months. I did plan to leave the heat on, but not sure at what temperature. I did not think I need to drain my pipes for just the two months since I will have some heat in the house, but want to make sure. Any other tips as what needs to be done for those two months would be appreciated.
richard52

Redwood · Nov 17, 2008

Get a cold alarm installed and have someone who can respond to see what is wrong and make arraingements to get the heat back on.

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D.Smith · Nov 17, 2008

For sound sleep I would shut water off and drain the hot water tank. Power failure could cool a house kept at a min temp pretty quick. Lil rv anti-freeze in each of the traps could add some piece of mind. Water is your house biggest enemy.

Jadnashua · Nov 17, 2008

It really depends on where you live and the condition of the house - how tight it is. Air leaks can cause pipes to freeze even if the house is warm underneath the sink in a cabinet against a leaky outside wall. Open the cabinet doors and vanities if they are on the outside wall. I probably wouldn't set the thermostat below say 50-degrees.

Frenchie · Nov 18, 2008

2 months is long enough to make it worth winterizing. Peace of mind, and you'll save enough from not heating that it'll mostly pay for itself. I'd at least call a plumber & get a quote, see how much in your area. Or do it yourself, it's not rocket science. A search here will turn up all the know-how.

smokinjoe · Nov 20, 2008

Read all the great advice in the above PLUS > Get a heat tape with a thermostat on it and wrap it around your pipes and put some pipe insulation on them..It will turn on at 38 degrees..Remember to ALWAYS drain your lines and air blow them out..Electric can go .out in any area at any time...

Redwood · Nov 20, 2008

My experience with winterizing is that I usually make a lot of money fixing pipes when the supply is turned back on.

If you have a boiler I would leave the water and heat on have a neighbor check the house and have a cold alarm installed.

If you have a forced air heating system I would shut off the supply to the house and leave the heat on about 50.

closing up my house for two months

richard52

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Redwood

Master Plumber

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D.Smith

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Jadnashua

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Frenchie

Jack of all trades

smokinjoe

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Redwood

Master Plumber

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