This has taken twice as long and cost 3 times as much as I had budgeted. Now I've invested all of my savings. After many visits from city inspectors I've finally rented 3 of the 4 units.
I have to concentrate my "real" job for a while. So, I want to wait till the spring to re-do the last unit. I've shut off the electricity and water to the 4th unit. There is still some water in the pipes under the sink and comode. Do I have to keep the place heated? If so to what temperature? What else should I do to protect my investment while rebuilding my savings account?
2007-12-13 03:33:43 · 7 answers · asked by D.J. 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Either keep heat on (low) or blow out the water lines. You also need to consider the drains and traps by putting antifreeze in them so they won't break.
2007-12-13 04:56:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you've got some decent answers, but none really good. I'll help you out. First remove all p-traps & stuff building drain end w/ plastic then a rag ( keeps traps from freezing & sewer gases out. Second pour RV antifreeze ( THE PINK STUFF ) not regular green into all toilet bowls. Third disconnect hot water tank & drain completely if gas shut off gas valve if electric shut off power before draining. Fourth and MOST IMPORTANT shut off the water and disconnect at the meter, drain out all water by gravity, then go to the highest location w/ water & blow air from compressor into water lines. If you have the knowledge to do so, buy the correct adaptive fittings for the water pipe that you have & make a sealed system, meaning that the air pressure will only go 1 way ( OUT the way you want it to ) If you do this you can turn off the heat & electric, you'll be winterized. Check local utilities because some charge for reconnection if you get them disconnected.
2007-12-13 04:57:09 · answer #2 · answered by viamphe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If no one is inhabiting the 4th unit why do you have to keep the heat on at all? I understand that there might be a possibility of pipes freezing but if you've removed all the water you won't run the risk of the pipes bursting. However, if the unit is a "construction site" and you have paint cans, paint thinner, and other flammable objects inside, I'd remove them to prevent a fire, make sure the doors have good dead bolts on them to prevent vandals and don't keep anything of value inside the unit. Visit it often to make sure you don't get squatters or vagrants moving in. Other than that I don't think you have to do much else. My friend owns a cabin in the mountains of NC, and only visits a couple of times a year, however, when ever he leaves it he makes sure that the pipes are empty during the winter so his pipes don't burst, but he doesn't put the heat on at all, he shuts it off.
2016-05-23 09:23:40 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cheaper than trying to heat an empty apt. all winter would be to cut the pipes if necessary to drain them, and replace the pipes come spring. Pour a little antifreeze down the drains and in the toilets to protect them.
I have refurbished a few old structures each year. I recommend using Pex Pipe to replace old water pipes, if it meets code in your area. It is guaranteed not to bust from freezing for 100 yrs. can be used for hot or cold and is flexible and quick and easy to install.
Just cut the damaged piece of galvanized pipe, unscrew it and screw in a brass Pex adapter in the nearest galvanized fitting, cut the length of Pex you need to replace the piece you removed, put the Pex over the brass fitting and crimp.
Cost a few cents more than galvanized or copper, but the time saved and not having to worry about it again is worth the few pennies.
2007-12-13 03:51:57 · answer #4 · answered by Ranger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A major challenge for sure, taking on condemmed as opposed to just foreclosed.
Have you any support at all from the Govt. that help is avilable for urban renewal, etc.? Have you any assurances that this might not become a Public Domain issue?
No offense, but perhaps it sounded like a better plan in hindsight?
2007-12-13 03:43:16 · answer #5 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can wrap or insulate the water pipes so you don't have to heat the area. The toilet can be winterized by draining toilet tank...then pour some anti-freeze in the toilet bowl. Cover the top of bowl with Saran wrap so the water doesn't evaporate.
2007-12-13 03:45:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the unit is a upper unit and you have tenants below I wouldn't worry about it cause heat travels upward. If you know what I mean......
2007-12-13 19:22:56 · answer #7 · answered by adevilchild38 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋