I am in the process of purchasing a foreclosed property. The property was built in 1992. I would like to know if I need to have it inspected and dewinterized? Would the inspector handle both? If anyone know how to dewinterize, I would appreciate help. I am looking for the cheapest way to get started.

I am in the process of purchasing a foreclosed property. The property was built in 1992. I would like to know if I need to have it inspected and dewinterized? Would the inspector handle both? If anyone know how to dewinterize, I would appreciate help. I am looking for the cheapest way to get started.

It's always a good idea to have your home inspected before closing. The inspector won't work on "dewinterize" your house since this is a easy task any home owner can do.
First you have to know what was "winterized" Do not turn on the power to the hot water heater before filling it up and pressurizing the system We drain and blow out the water lines,( open the upper hot faucet and turn the water on to the house. When the water heater's full you'll get water out of the hot water faucet. It's now safe to power up the water heater.) Also turn on a cold water faucet to bleed out the air. We fill all the traps with motor oil or anti-freeze and poured a gallon of anti-freeze into each toilet until it flushed away the water and retained the anti-freeze in the trap.
Simply rerplace all the trap seals with water and flush your toilets and your plumbing should be all set. Good luck, Tom

I agree about inspection since most foreclosures are not well cared for and may have been improperly winterized. If yours was done correctly it will be my first for a foreclosed property. Where is the home, what state? Check the toilets to see if water was left in the tank of the trap. Also remove a few traps under the sinks, any water found will alert you to a bad winterizeing job. We pour RV antifreeze in traps and toilets after draining all water starting right at the meter.

I agree about inspection since most foreclosures are not well cared for and may have been improperly winterized. If yours was done correctly it will be my first for a foreclosed property. Where is the home, what state? Check the toilets to see if water was left in the tank of the trap. Also remove a few traps under the sinks, any water found will alert you to a bad winterizeing job. We pour RV antifreeze in traps and toilets after draining all water starting right at the meter.

I am in Georgia. I only have 7 days to inspect. However the power is not on until the closing, and they will not turn on for the inspection. The house looks very nice, different from any other foreclosure I viewed. However it does appear that changes was made since my initial bid. I do not know if it is the Bank ownership or prospective buyers.
The toilets are taped and I really don't know what a trap is. I am assuming it is in the water tank. :confused: Unfortunately, I only have 5 days left to inspect. Any help would be appreciated.


It's always a good idea to have your home inspected before closing. The inspector won't work on "dewinterize" your house since this is a easy task any home owner can do.
First you have to know what was "winterized" Do not turn on the power to the hot water heater before filling it up and pressurizing the system We drain and blow out the water lines,( open the upper hot faucet and turn the water on to the house. When the water heater's full you'll get water out of the hot water faucet. It's now safe to power up the water heater.) Also turn on a cold water faucet to bleed out the air. We fill all the traps with motor oil or anti-freeze and poured a gallon of anti-freeze into each toilet until it flushed away the water and retained the anti-freeze in the trap.
Simply rerplace all the trap seals with water and flush your toilets and your plumbing should be all set. Good luck, Tom

Unfortunately, I do not have power until closing. The bank will not turn on power for inspection. So I am pretty much (For lack of better words) messed up. I do so appreciate your response.

The toilets are taped and I really don't know what a trap is.
Every fixture has a trap,(see image) Turn the water on to the house and remove the tape from the toilets. Here's some new instructions.

We drain and blow out the water lines,( open the upper hot faucet and turn the water on to the house. When the water heater's full you'll get water out of the hot water faucet. Also turn on a cold water faucet to bleed out the air. We fill all the traps with motor oil or anti-freeze and poured a gallon of anti-freeze into each toilet until it flushed away the water and retained the anti-freeze in the trap.
Simply rerplace all the trap seals with water and flush your toilets and your plumbing should be all set Good luck, Tom