Hampton Club Homeowner Mechanical Rooms:  Please be reminded, if your units’ hot water heater and HVAC equipment is located in an exterior closet you must turn on the space heater in the closet.  Failing to do so could result in burst pipes and significant damage to not only your unit, but units that lie below yours. 

Vacant Unit Winterization:   For those of you who travel often or rent your units it is imperative that when your unit is vacant for any period of time it is fully winterized over the winter months.  Failing to do so will result in burst pipes and significant damage to your unit.  Below are steps to take should your unit need to winterize.

Turn off the water at the exterior. Make sure that the water supply is turned off completely at the main supply point. If the furnace should fail on a very cold day, water in a pipe could freeze and burst the pipe.

Open all faucets and drain all waterlines. If you live in an area where freezing pipes can be a problem, drain the toilets, the water heater (turn off the gas or electric supply first) and the expansion tank.

• Close the sink and tub drains.
• If a house is to be vacant for a long time, you may prevent water in a toilet’s trap from evaporating (and thereby permitting sewer gases to enter the home) by raising the toilet’s lid and seat and covering the bowl with saran wrap.
• Turn off and drain fountains and other sources of standing water.
• Drain water from dishwashers and pour RV antifreeze with refrigerators (with a water dispenser or an ice maker) and washing machines, following the manufacturer’s directions. Remove the water filter from inside the refrigerator.
• Remove and empty any “whole house” or “in line” type filter canister.

Set your thermostat to a level adequate to keep the inside temperature above freezing and to keep things dry. If the home is located in a warm, damp climate, you should have a humidity indicator installed and set to maintain a reasonably dry interior. 

If you leave the electric power on, unplug electric appliances, including microwave ovens and TVs, to avoid the risk of fire in the event of a faulty switch or a rodent gnawing the wires. Don’t forget the gas. For long absences, some experts recommend shutting off gas hot water heaters completely.

Dryer Vents:  It is absolutely imperative that all homeowners keep their dryer vents clean and clear of lint.  Dryer Vent fires are one of the primary causes of significant structural fires in the United States.  It is recommended that your dryer vents be cleaned every 2 years. 

Please assist us in preventing any future fires by taking heed to our recommendation.   If you have any Questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at office@hamptonclubnj.com