Many seasonal and vacation homes are shut down during the colder months. Often, precautions are taken to get a house ready to sit vacant all winter, and opening it back up can be an overwhelming process. As the weather gets nicer, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist to get your home de-winterized and ready for summer!
Reconnect Water Supply
Remove any aerators from faucets and reconnect any removed supply tubes and pipes. Make sure to also check the water heater and other utility appliances to ensure their water connection. Finally, confirm there are no noticeable leaks in the pipes.
Turn On Electrical Circuits
Make sure all of the individual breakers are in the “on” position for you to have light in the home and turn on the water.
Turn on Plumbing Fixtures
When you have the main water supply opened at least halfway, turn on all of your plumbing fixtures one by one. When you turn on faucets, air may rush out at first. Once the water runs regularly, you can turn off the faucet.
Check The Roof Gutters
Clear any debris that may be leftover from the winter to ensure that water is carried away from your home the next time it rains.
Adjust The Alarm And Thermostat Systems
These two are usually programmed to a particular setting if a house sits vacant all winter, so make sure to reprogram them to desired summertime settings.
Check The Sump Pump
Rain and snow can cause basements to flood if the sump pump isn’t working correctly.
Reconnect All Household Appliances
The winterization process likely included unplugging every appliance in the home.
Check Around Outside Of The Home
Ensure there haven’t been any issues with the foundation, and call a licensed contractor immediately if you notice any cracks.
Replace The Air Filter
Frequently these can get clogged with dust throughout the winter months.
Test Carbon Monoxide And Smoke Detection Systems
Make sure to replace any dead batteries immediately, as they are lifesaving home features in an emergency.
Conclusion
Have questions regarding de-winterizing a home or looking for help with the process? Contact us today!