Winterizing Your Summer Home

The calendar says Fall, the trees are beginning to shed their leaves, and frost could be in the forecast soon.

If you are not planning on visiting The Landings for the foreseeable future, have you winterized your condo?

The Board would like to remind everyone that unoccupied and unheated units, even for just a few days, can suffer terrible damage from frozen pipes. There are two options you need to take advantage of:

1. Many unit owners who leave for the winter season have their pipes professionally drained and antifreeze solution placed in all toilet tanks and traps, sink traps, shower and tub traps, as well as dishwasher and washing machines. This is the safest way to prevent a problem from frozen pipes.

2. The other option would be to leave the heat on in the lower level and first floor at 50 degrees. All doors to the rooms should be kept open as well as the doors under the sink cabinets so that the warm air can circulate. Although draining down the pipes is not absolutely necessary, it is still the most prudent option.

For those unit owners who do plan on using their unit during the winter months, you would not drain down your pipes but you need to keep your heat on in the lower level and the first floor at 50-55 degrees. All doors to the rooms should be kept open as well as the doors under the sink cabinets so that the warm air can circulate. In the event of an extended power outage, it is suggested that you check you unit ASAP.

For those end units who have the main water feed for the entire building entering their unit, (if unsure ask a board member to check for you), you must keep the heat on in the lower level at 50 degrees regardless if you drain down the pipes. This will insure the main water feed does not freeze and burst.

In addition, shutting down the refrigerator is a cost saving measure and also prolongs the life of the unit. Make sure the doors are left open to prevent mold buildup.

By taking some precautionary steps in advance, they will contribute to a more pleasant mind set for the winter of 2015/2016.

The Board of Managers