Recently a Macon Home Inspection revealed winterizing hazards that if not known in advance could have caused serious damage to the home and the possible retraction of offer on home by potential buyer. The items affected during the winterization process are primarily the plumbing systems, but the home electrical system is also involved. If one does not know what to look for when de-winterizing the home, serious damage to the home can be done.
The winterization process is accomplished in an effort to maintain the home plumbing system in an unused state that minimizes the possibility of water pipes bursting in cold weather and to extend the life of the plumbing, fixture and water heater life. In order to do this the main water is turned off, water heater is drained and the circuit breaker that powers the heater is off. Toilets are drained and water is turned off behind the toilet, air is sometimes blown through the plumbing system to drain lines or an anti-freeze mixture is added to the home water system. The drain valve to the water heater is left open as is the water supply to the washing machine and if the refrigerator is removed, the ice maker line is left open. Knowing all of this is crucial when it comes to de-winterizing; if a valve is left open or if the water heater circuit breaker is turned on with no water in the tank, serious damage to components or the home can flood.
Most winterizing companies will void any work they have done if another company de-winterizes. With so many foreclosures on the market, the number of winterized homes has grown. If an agent cannot get the original company to de-winterize the home because of time restraints or the company that originally winterized the home is no longer around, please ensure nothing is done to the home until someone VERY familiar with the process go through the home first before turning on any utilities.
Ace Home Inspection, LLC has extensive knowledge in the winterizing process. If you are an agent or a home buyer interested in a foreclosure property that has been winterized and cannot get the original company to de-winterize we will be happy to go over the process with you as part of our home inspection process.
Ace Home Inspection, LLC is Nationally Certified, Insured and a member in good standing with both ASHI and InterNACHI, the home inspection industry's two most recognized and respected organizations. We are also proudly affiliated with the BBB and Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce.
Howard Tennyson
Ace Home Inspection, LLC
Office (478) 954-9791
Fax (888) 273-9868
acehomeinspectionllc@gmail.com
http://acehomeinspection.biz
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