Silly Winter Question (rent, houses, water heater)

[Dreamy46]

We took a trip to Maine several years ago and found it breathtakingly beautiful along the coast. The purpose of the trip was to scout it out as a possible retirement location for the Summer months.

We're no fans of cold weather and intend to spend Winters down South. With that theme in mind can any of you answer what people in Maine do to protect homes from freezing in the Winter? IE, busted pipes, electrical outages etc. We have no interest in being landlords or renting a place out in the Winter and would prefer to leave it empty.

[GarlicGuy]

Depending on the type of building... (home or camp style).. some drain down the water til they return and others put the thermostat on 40 or 50 and hope things don't freeze. Have a good neighbor keep an eye on things is helpful

[Submariner]

Shut-off and drain everything.

We see camps around us and that is what they do.

My parents had a cabin [from 1975 until they passed away this summer] in the Sierra Nevadas, at much higher altitude and much colder winters than here. They shut-off the power and gas, and they drained the pipes / water heater; and it was fine for them year after year.

[deerislesmile]

You can also hire someone locally to check on the house periodically through the winter, especially after severe weather or power outages.

[retiredtinbender]

I've seen people put antifreeze in the heating sytem and drain teh rest. You have to have it all on seperate loops for this to work. Most folks simply drain the whole system after they leave for the winter.

The problem is that with no heat in the house, after a few years the roof will start sagging, floors will twist, etc, etc. You'll also get condensation, rot, and mold. My opinion is find a housesitting outfit to keep an eye on it and leave the heat at 55-60. It costs a bit but it's cheaper than a refurb. They may also rent it for you.

[maureenb]

Originally Posted by retiredtinbender

I've seen people put antifreeze in the heating sytem and drain the rest. You have to have it all on separate loops for this to work. Most folks simply drain the whole system after they leave for the winter

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Had to laugh about the antifreeze in the heating system...it reminded me of my boatyard days...some boat owners had us use lower shelf vodka to winterize their water systems...Some of my co-workers considered it alcohol abuse...

[WhoFanMe]

There are security alarm systems that will monitor for temperature inside the house as well as intruders, that might be a good investment.

[JC3]

If it is a year round home, you may want to look into an automatic generator that way you can set the thermostat to where you want to leave it. You would need propane or natural gas for it though and then a delivery set up if you aren't there or a big enough tank to get through the winter.

[Maineah]

It's best to hut off the water then drain the plumbing. Blow it out with a compressor. Drain out the toilets and fill the bowls with automotive antifreeze. Fill the sink and tub traps with antifreeze. Leave the faucets and other valves open, shut off the power and wait till spring.

[Dreamy46]

Thanks for all the great advice. In the end it really sounds like a drain it and hope for the best crap-shoot.