Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu57u4y wrote on October 28, 2022 at 5:12 PM

Reply to comment by AlleghenyCityHolding in Reasonable property management company to check on house by Cabbagefolk

Ahhh, so if the house is kept warm enough, the pipes won’t freeze even if you don’t use it??

AlleghenyCityHolding t1_iu5to0g wrote on October 28, 2022 at 7:40 PM

Yes...

Freezing happens at 32/0 degrees. Depending on insulation, without heat that is what happens to the water inside the pipes.

You combat this via 2 ways: Heating the inside of the house to keep the temperature of the water above freezing.

Or-

Draining the water of the house and purging the lines and keeping the traps wet.

Hunting cabins normally just turn off the water/breaker, drain the pipes at the closest to the cutoff, pour antifreeze in the drains/toilets and saran wrap them shut to prevent evaporation.

Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu5v845 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 7:50 PM

Wow, the more you know. I really don’t want to drain everything if I don’t have to - but that’s honestly sounding like the best option so far since i don’t really know anyone out in PA. I’ll be moving there May-June and I’m assuming Dec - March will be pretty frigid

happyjazzycook t1_iu59xg5 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 5:26 PM

Unless there is a storm, the power goes out and the heat doesn't kick on 😑

Don't you have a friend or neighbor who could stop by just to walk through every so often and check on things? Give this person a list of what to look for. And, when you are away, keep an eye on the weather and call when there is a snow/ ice storm or another weather event. If you see something concerning, call this person to check in.

Cabbagefolk OP t1_iu5cprh wrote on October 28, 2022 at 5:45 PM

I wish I did, but I don’t have any friends in Pittsburgh 🥹 and am new to the area.