End-To-End Real Estate Solutions Confidential Winterization Training

Ready or not, here comes winter! Even though it is still summertime and the temperatures are warm, the change of seasons is right around the corner and the time for preparation is NOW! Although, any vacant asset should be winterized throughout the year, late summer and early fall is winterization season for vacant real estate assets. Don’t procrastinate! The rush will soon be on and contractors will be at full capacity and may be too busy during the peak winterization season. Therefore, the time is NOW!

Northern & Mid U.S. Mountain States – By October 1 st Southern States – By November 1 st if: Asset is in an area known to freeze Elevation is 2,000 ft. or above Know Your Area Frequently Check the National Weather Service:

Make sure main water shut off is turned off at the curb & tied shut with a nylon cable tie Disconnect meter; if allowed by water municipality in your area Turn the water heater electric breaker off (If water heater is electric) & tape breaker in off position to prevent accidentally turning on when there is no water in the water heater If gas water heater, turn gas valve off

Install hose at bottom of water heater at drain valve and drain water heater If boiler or wet system, hire a plumber to winterize as mistakes can be extremely costly Turn on faucets and hose bibs to drain system by letting water run out of pipes Connect a compressor to main plumbing lines to blow out any remaining water in lines Drain toilet tanks and bowls

Pour safe anti-freeze into toilet tanks, bowls, sinks, bathtubs, showers & dishwasher Tape toilet lids down so no one accidentally uses Drain irrigation system & blow out lines Have licensed plumber winterize wells, if applicable Keep heat on whenever possible – set at 55 degrees or higher – Tape thermostat to on position

When in doubt, hire professionals to secure your valuable asset for inclement weather Plan well ahead of winterization season Ensure your properties are winterized timely If property vacates during winterization season, inspect immediately; keep heat on & winterize Hire a plumber or professional for wet systems & wells Keep heat on and sump pumps going, when possible

Damages can exceed tens of thousands of dollars for failing to properly winterize Once frozen pipes thaw you will have water damage which can result in major mold requiring EPA remediation. This can cost tens of thousands of dollars to remediate, if it is even possible. Sometimes, due to extreme freeze and water damage, a property may have to be demolished Prevention is the key

Install Hose Bib At All Exterior Faucets

We are here to help. If you need winterization help, repairs, preservation and/or property management please contact: Bill Frazier, EVP of Sales Nations Property Solutions Burnet Rd. Suite 103 Austin, TX (913) Confidential