MEMO
#1059 Winterization Definitions (11/29/03)
Now that Winterization season has begun, HUD has provided a more comprehensive description of what is involved in performing DRY, STEAM and RADIANT winterizations.
Please be sure to review and adhere to the following winterization specifications:
Winterization Definitions
Important Note: All information and material contained in this document is for general informational purposes only and is based on Safeguard's interpretation of the guidelines.
DRY HEAT: Forced hot air heat
What to Look For: Furnace, vents/registers
Winterization Steps:
• Flush all toilets. Shut off water at the curb, if not possible, shut off main interior water supply and provide reason.
• Disconnect water meter and leave inside property unless city/county requires that it be returned.
• Plug the disconnected feed pipe leading from the main water valve.
• Affix tags, showing date of winterization and name, address, and phone # of firm that performed work, to all winterized items.
• Properties with wells must be drained.
• Drain hot water heater and all domestic water plumbing. All faucets/valves must be opened, drained, and then closed.
• Use air pressure to clear the system or add antifreeze to the system.
• Clean toilets and put antifreeze in all toilets and traps (sinks, bathtubs, etc.).
STEAM HEAT: Steam running through system
What to Look For: Steam boiler, radiators
Winterization Steps:
• Complete all steps as listed above for a Dry system.
• Determine if the system is operable and if there are any leaks. Report this information immediately.
• Drain the boiler. All radiator vents are to be opened in the process and bleeder pins must not be removed from the radiators.
RADIANT HEAT: Hot water running through entire system
What to Look For: Hot water boiler, expansion tank , radiators or (copper) tubing in floor, walls, and/or ceilings. May also be referred to as a "wet system"or "hot water baseboard heat".
Winterization Steps:
• Complete all steps listed above for a Dry system, except water is shut off and will be turned back on after completing the necessary steps.
• Test for system security. Pressurize the system with an air compressor to 35 pounds to check for leakage. System must hold air without leakage for a minimum of ½ hour.
• Drain the boiler and all heating loops. Repair, replace, or install (as necessary to comply with state health department requirements) a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valve.
• Fill the boiler and all heating loops with a non-toxic antifreeze (propylene-glycol) solution tested to a freeze point of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Flush all lines and bleed all vents.
• Return the heating system to normal operating temperature and pressure. Check the entire system for proper operation. Leave the heat on and set the thermostat to 55 degrees.
• Tape the furnace electrical switch to the "on"position. Tape a card above the switch stating, "Do Not Remove Tape. Do Not Turn Off".
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
To view additional Contractor Alerts, please link on the following:
http://www.safeguardproperties.com/vendors/memo/all_memo.html
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