Dewinterization Checklist

Objective

The objective of dewinterization is to activate systems in the home so that water in the plumbing system will not freeze, and to re-activate a winterized plumbing system WITHOUT flooding the home.

Request for Feedback

If you find any inaccuracies in this document, or suggestions for its improvement please email them to: martin-at-abacusinspection.com.

Limitation of Liability

Abacus Inspection Service will accept no liability for errors or omissions in this document. There is no way for us to cover every condition that you may encounter. Use this document as a guideline, not as the rule.

Tools You Will Need


Method

The order of these steps is important. Follow them in sequence.

  1. Activate the heating system in the home to make sure that it will work.
  2. Close all water valves in the home
    1. outside/garage hose bibbs
    2. water heater drain
    3. Faucets inside the home
      1. Kitchen
      2. Baths
      3. Laundry sink
      4. Clothes washer
  3. Close the valve on the inlet side of the water heater
  4. Slowly! Turn on the main water valve - This will pressurize the cold water side of the plumbing system.
  5. Listen and look for leaks anywhere there are plumbing lines
  6. Toilets will fill if they haven't been shut off
  7. If you find any leaks, turn off the main valve and fix them.
  8. Open the water inlet valve to the water heater
  9. Let the tank fill
  10. Look for leaks in the in the hot water supply side of the plumbing system
  11. Fix any leaks you find.
  12. Systematically go through the home and run water at every faucet
  13. Check for leaks in the drain lines throughout the home