BAHAMAS BEACH COTTAGES
WINTERIZING YOUR HOME

If you are closing your home for the winter, it is imperative that you winterize it. We had many cases of frozen pipes and the repair cost of one was close to $10,000.

 

These are our suggestions but you should look on the internet for additional information on winterizing. Each home is different and you should look for your own solutions.
1. TURN OFF THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY AT THE METER.
2. TURN OFF THE MAIN HOUSE WATER SUPPLY AT THE CENTER PILING CHASE.
3. TURN ON HOSE BIB TO DRAIN WATER FROM THE PIPES. LEAVE THE HOSE BIB OPEN.
4. TURN ON THE OUTSIDE SHOWER VALVES TO DRAIN ALL OF THE WATER OUT OF THE PIPES. THIS IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM HERE FOR FREEZING PIPES. LEAVE THE VALVES OPEN.
5. TURN ON ALL FAUCETS AND DRAIN WATER UNTIL IT STOPS. LEAVE FAUCETS ON.
6. TURN OFF BREAKERS TO THE HOT WATER HEATER.
7. DRAIN HOT WATER HEATER AFTER BREAKERS ARE TURNED OFF.
8. FLUSH ALL TOILETS UNTIL WATER IS GONE.
9. LIFT THE SPRAY HOSE IN THE SINK TO DRAIN IT.
10. PUT RV/BOAT ANTIFREEZE IN ALL SINKS, TOILET BOWLS, SHOWERS, AND WASHING MACHINE. BASICALLY IN ANYTHING THAT HAS A TRAP. RV/BOAT ANTIFREEZE IS USUALLY PINK IN COLOR, IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR PIPES, AND IS SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
11. OPEN ALL CABINET AND CLOSET DOORS FOR HEAT AND VENTILATION.
12. TURN ON HEAT AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH.
13. IF YOUR HEAT PUMP IS OLD AND SHOWING SIGNS THAT IT MIGHT BE UNRELIABLE, CONSIDER HAVING IT SERVICED. THEY LAST ABOUT 12 YEARS AND IF YOURS IS ORIGINAL, IT MAY BE AT THE END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE.

 

Many of our owners have a commercial plumber or heating and A/C firm winterize their unit for them and that is a good option. They blow all of the water from the pipes and drain the hot water heater. Cost is in the $150-200 range.