WEST HAMPTON DUNES POLICE CONSTABULARY ASSOCIATION, INC.

WINTER IS HERE.  ARE YOU PREPARED?

If you plan on closing down your house for the season:

If you are not familiar with the plumbing in your home consult a plumber before attempting to winterize your home or perform any of these tasks. 

Shut off main water supply at street or basement. Do not leave the cover off the meter as that will encourage freezing in and around the meter. If you are unable to gain access to the meter at the street, turn off the water valve where the water enters the house. Open all faucets and leave them open until pipes are empty (using an air compressor is needed to fully drain the plumbing).

1. Turn off gas or electricity to water heater before draining it.

2. Drain water heater and leave valve open.

3. Remove all water from toilet tanks and bowls.

4. Pour RV antifreeze in toilet bowl and a small amount in tank.

5. Pour enough RV antifreeze in sink drains and shower drains to fill trap

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.  Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors and shower doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

If you plan on using your home infrequently during the winter months you should consider:

If you are not familiar with the plumbing in your home consult a plumber before attempting to perform any of these tasks. 

1. Shutting off the main water supply off under the house (As long as this doesn't disable your fire suppression system and/or heating system.)

2.  Purchase a low temperature and/or water movement alarm to advise you of a water pipe break or possibly prevent one.

3. Have a friend or caretaker check on things inside the residence on a weekly basis.

4. As also suggested above keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.  Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors and shower doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

Notify the Police Constabulary if your home will be unoccupied for an extended period of time.