Forms and checklist are key to staying organized and stay in compliance with the federal government. Use the checklist to never miss a photo again. Eligible restaurants can apply to receive a $5,000 grant to help cover winterization expenses such as the cost of heating equipment, additional safety materials to improve indoor dining, and more. Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG) Applications for a second round of funding are set to go live Sept. A total of $220 million will be. Get your hands on great customizable Winterized stickers from Zazzle. Choose from thousands of designs or make your own today!
Chapter 5: Pre-Winterization
Introduction
In the field service industry the terms winterization, winterizing, and “wint” all refer to the prevention of damage caused by the combination of water and freezing conditions. All homes have water within their pipes, toilets, drain traps and some heating systems. If left full or untreated, subzero temperatures can sometimes cause catastrophic damage to the plumbing and/or heating systems of a property and thousands of dollars in losses for the client.
A property preservation professional is responsible for understanding where water may be present within a property and the potential damages that will occur if this water is left untreated or un-drained. In the majority of properties water can be found within:
- Portable water lines supplying clean water to:
∙ Faucets
∙ Showers
∙ Dishwashers
∙ Exterior hydrants/spigots
∙ Washing machine hook ups
∙ Water softeners
∙ Water filtration systems
∙ Hot water tank
∙ Humidifiers
∙ Ice makers
- Main entry/water meter
- Drain systems
- Sinks and shower “J” traps
- Toilets
- Heating systems (radiant and steam heat only)
Government Regulations
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
From Mortgagee Letter 2010-18:
Winterization Requirements:
Properties are to be winterized between October 1 and March 31, unless, climatic conditions require earlier and extended winterization treatment periods. Properties should only be winterized once. However, a property should be re-winterized if the initial winterization is no longer effective. The winterization process must include cleaning toilets and a complete draining of all plumbing and heating systems. The mortgagee is responsible for any damage to plumbing and heating systems, including sump pumps and wells, caused by untimely, inadequate, or improper maintenance or winterization.
Utilities:
Utilities are to be turned off unless required to protect the property, such as in states where heat is to remain on. For units that are attached to other units or dwellings, water services and utilities should remain on only if those systems are shared with other units. In some cases, it may be cost-effective to maintain utility service rather than disconnect the service. For example, in some rural areas, large fees may be charged to re-connect water service.
Mortgagees should use proper judgment to determine the most cost-effective method of managing utilities when re-connection fees exist.
Condominiums and Attached Dwellings
At condominiums and attached dwellings in Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), water services and utilities should remain on if the systems are shared with other units.
Sump Pumps
Where there is an existing sump pump, the mortgagee shall check to make sure the sump pump is operating. The mortgagee shall leave the electricity on, regardless of whether the property is located in a state where utilities are required to be off.
Utility Accounts
Utility accounts including electricity, gas, home heating oil and water, should be in the mortgagee’s name until conveyance of the property to HUD.
Nfr Winterization Sticker Template Sticker
In states where utilities should remain on, if there is any reason to believe that a mortgagor may abandon a property, the mortgagee shall contact the utility company to request that the mortgagee be notified of non-payment of utilities so that utilities can be transferred to the mortgagee’s name and the heat remain on if the mortgagor vacates.
Propane and Oil Systems
If the property has a propane or oil heating system, put a “KEEP FULL” work order on with a local supplier in those jurisdictions, where the heat should remain “ON.”
Water:
Domestic Water
If the water supply source is a public system, the utility company shall be contacted to turn off the water supply at the curb. The mortgagee shall not cut water lines or remove water meters. The water department or provider shall be notified when water is turned off so that a final meter reading is completed.
Wells
If the water supply is a private well, the mortgagee shall turn off the well at the breaker panel and tape off the breaker, disconnect the water supply line between the property and pressure tank and install a hose bib on the pressure tank side of the breaker. The hose bib shall be tagged “For Water Testing”. All pressure tanks shall be drained. If pump is surface mounted, drain pump housing. If submersible, then disconnect the check valve and drain all pump, suction, and discharge pipes. All fixtures shall be winterized.
For more information regarding HUD, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac requirements, visit the NAMFS Mortgagee Letter & Servicing Guide page at: Servicing Guidelines
Winterization Tools
- Screwdrivers
∙ Phillips head and flat head in a variety of sizes
- Wrenches
∙ Adjustable
∙ Pipe
∙ Water shut off
∙ Gas shut off
- Adjustable pliers and vice grips
- Air Compressor (3 hp for electric and 4 hp for gas-powered air compressors)
- Sturdy hose
- Adapter to hook compressor to water supply system
- Generator
- Pressure gauge
- Drain hose
- 5-gallon buckets
- Winterization labels (as required by clients)
- Circuit breaker lock and padlock
- Threaded pipe caps
∙ Water meter plug
∙ Most common plug sizes used are ¾, or 1”, on large luxury homes 1 1/4” or 1 ½
∙ Galvanized caps
∙ PVC caps
- Cable ties
- Teflon tape
- Non-toxic (RV) antifreeze
- Plunger
- Siphon Tool
- Water
- Submersible Pump
- Rubber gloves
- Masks
Common Tools Required for Winterization
- Note any pre-existing mold (or discoloration) conditions that exist.
- Inspect the visible pipes and fixtures throughout the property. Missing or damaged pipes and fixtures should be noted and photographed. Bids should be provided for their repair.
- Examine the entire property before starting any winterization. Walk through the property and open every single door in every room. Determine if there is a lawn sprinkler system or pool supply line that will require attention.
- Determine the type of winterization to be performed. The heating system in a property will dictate the type of winterization that is required. There are three types of winterization:Prior to Completing a WinterizationThere are several steps that should be taken prior to the completion of winterization service at a property regardless of the type of heating system that is present.
- Dry heat
∙ Dry heat winterizations involve the preparation of the potable water system of a property for winter. Steps for a dry winterization will be involved in all three types of winterization. These winterizations are performed when a house is equipped with a heating system that does not rely upon the use of water. Examples of these systems include: gas-forced air, electric heat pumps, and electric baseboard heating units.
- Steam heat
∙ These winterizations are performed on properties in which water heated in a boiler is used to create steam that is transported through a network of pipes to create warmth.
∙ The design and layout of steam pipes differs significantly from pipes used in hot water heating systems.
∙ Supply or steam pipes slope upward to prevent water in the system from restricting the flow of steam.
∙ Supply lines decrease in diameter as they proceed away from the boiler
∙ In systems utilizing one pipe radiators
∙ Supply of steam and return of condensation occurs within the same line
∙ Bleeder valves on one pipe radiators are typically located halfway down the side of the radiator
∙ In systems utilizing two pipe radiators:
∙ Return lines are smaller in diameter than supply lines, as they carry water instead of steam
∙ Insulation is only required for supply or steam pipes as un-insulated return lines promote proper condensation within these systems
∙ Bleeder valves on two pipe radiators are typically located toward the top or bottom of the side of the radiator
- Hot water heat
∙ These winterizations are performed on properties which utilize hot water that has been heated in a boiler and a series of pipes that carry this water throughout the home to provide heat.
∙ The design and layout of pipes in this system differs greatly from those used in steam heat systems:
∙ The diameter of supply and return piping remains constant
∙ The slope of lines is irrelevant
∙ All lines require insulation to minimize heat loss
- Examine the entire property before starting any winterization. Walk through the property and open every single door in every room. Determine if there is a lawn sprinkler system or pool supply line that will require attention.
- Examine the property for signs of recent or past damages from plumbing leaks and report them to the client accordingly.
1 Check under sinks for drip buckets
2 Test cabinet floors for wet wood and rot
3 Examine ceilings for leaks
4 Look for stains on the sides of the water heater and boiler
5 Examine all water pumps and filtration devices.
- Inspect the visible pipes and fixtures throughout the property. Missing or damaged pipes and fixtures should be noted and photographed. Bids should be provided for their repair.
All instances of plumbing related water damage or mold should be reported in order establish a record of the property’s condition at the time of winterization and prevent future responsibility related to claims for pre-existing conditions
- Note any pre-existing mold (or discoloration) conditions that exist.
Ceiling Damage Resulting from Leaks in Upstairs Bathroom
Freeze Damage (Line Split) in Utility Sink Faucet
Mold & Wood Rot Under Kitchen Sink
- 6. Check for the presence of a sump pump
- Report if it is operable
- 6. Check for the presence of a sump pump
- Verify the status of the water service to the property.
∙ Beware of using just a faucet to determine the status of the service as individual fixtures can be isolated as a result of previous damages
∙ If water is on at the time of arrival and there are no active leaks a maintenance benchmark can be established regarding the integrity of the system
∙ Keep in mind that other elements may be damaged or inoperable but their status, if not leaking, will not impact the report of an intact system
- To prevent damage after water has been removed, shut off the power, heating source, and water service to:
∙ Heating units
∙ Hot water heaters
∙ Filtration units
∙ Well pumps and systems
Shutting Off Power Supply to Electric Hot Water Heater
Shutting Off Gas Supply to Gas Hot Water Heater
9. Install circuit breaker locks as needed. Notices should be placed next to breakers that have been shut off to alert other parties of their status.
Breaker Box
Printable Winterization Stickers Template
- Clean toilets and fixtures throughout the property.
∙ Flush toilets and fixtures with water to remove any remaining debris
∙ If toilets or other fixtures are clogged they should be plunged and cleaned
∙ Fecal matter and/or other debris should not remain within toilets/fixtures
∙ Many Investors require that this service be performed within the winterization allowable; however, some may have a specific allowable set aside to address situations in which waste is present preventing effective winterization. For more information regarding Investor guidelines and allowables, visit the NAMFS Mortgagee Letter & Servicing Guide page at: Servicing Guidelines
- Water service may be required within the property to clean fixtures (i.e. commodes). If water service has already been terminated or if the system has been damaged resulting in loss of water pressure, it may be necessary to utilize water that has been brought to the premises by the contractor to complete these tasks.
Siphoning Water from the Toilet
Siphoning Water from the Toilet