Winter can wreak havoc on a vacant home unless it has been “winterized.” Pipes can freeze, cracks can form in the walls, and your septic system could have problems. As part of your regular septic system maintenance, you’ll want to winterize your vacant Prince William, VA home – and you’ll need RV antifreeze and plastic wrap to do it.
Here’s what to do:
- Shut off the water to your property. Use the main shut-off valve or contact your water company and have them turn your water off.
- Turn off the gas or electricity to the boiler and your water heater.
- Drain the water from your pipes. To do this, open all faucets (inside and outside), starting with the upstairs first and working down. Allow the water to drip from the taps until the water stops.
- Open the drain faucets on the water heater, any water treatment equipment installed on the property, and from your main supply line. Note that you may need to contact your water company for specific instructions pertaining to your specific property. Allow the water to drain completely.
- Fill all the traps and drains with recreational vehicle antifreeze. Pour at least one quart of antifreeze into your septic system’s drains and traps. Pour a gallon of antifreeze into each toilet and then flush the tank.
- Place plastic wrap over your toilet seats; this will slow evaporation.
If you haven’t had regular septic system maintenance done in your Prince William County VA home – inspection, pumping, etc. – you’ll want to have that done by SES before your winterize your system.
Based in Warrenton, Virginia, SES offers 24-hour emergency response for septic system malfunctions. We’ve been inspecting, servicing, maintaining and repairing septic systems for residential and commercial customers in Prince William County, VA and all of Northern Virginia since 1987. Please give us a call today, before that cold kicks in: 1-866-249-5630.