October 31, 2003, Newsletter Issue #79: Winterizing
Tip of the Week
I`d like to turn off the heat in my my summer home up in NY State. I`ve been told that this can damage the sheet rock.
What`s your opinion?
Dear DIY`er;
The cold temperature will not hurt your sheet rock directly. The problem comes IF you do not winterize the plumbing system. If you turn off the heat, the water lines will freeze. When water freezes, it expands about 25%, which will break any weak spot in a water pipe. Then, when the pipes thaw out, you will have a wet mess.
To winterize the plumbing system, shut off the water at the meter or at the entry point into the house. Then open all the taps so that the water will drain out of the pipes, paying special attention to the lowest point which is probably the outside sillcock. It is also necessary to flush the toilets after the water is turned off. Then pour antifreeze into the toilet bowls and tanks. Leave all the taps open, including sinks, showers, tubs, outside sillcocks, and washers.
Home Improvement Guru
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