I am in full contract on a shortsale that the bank had winterized so when I had my inspection done the water wasn't on and we know nothing about the plumbing situation. Is it possible that the plumbing is fine since they took the time to even have it winterized or could this still be a problem? I'm trying to avoid spending all that money to have it unwinterized, inspected, then rewinterized (have to leave it the way we found it). Could I just get the important information from whoever winterized it (if I can get my hands on that information)?

Why not have the water turned on for a test if you are in contract. Could be nothing but could also be really big.

How do you know every pipe in the house isn't split and leaking if you don't test it. It will cost you what to have peace of mind? It will cost you what to replace the entire plumbing system if its got major issues and damage? Should be self evident what you need to do.

Failure for due dillience on your part before closing makes any deficiency you find after your responsibility. Are you planning on taking their word on it to avoid having a proper home inspection done too so you can save how little money?

'Is it possible that the plumbing is fine.. ' Of course, but the question isn't about possible, it's about exact fine or not. The inspector should have walked and talked you through all the places where there might be a problem. Price of a new water heater, and so on.
'I'm trying to avoid spending all that money, ' It's worth it. I have winterized and it wasn't that hard. And if you are in full contract (not sure what stage that is) then why would you winterize again, unless you decide not to buy?
'Could I just get the important information from whoever winterized it (if I can get my hands on that information)?' Sure - if the bank-owner will give it to you. They are notorious for not being the least bit helpful. Which I have a feeling you know already, or you wouldn't have asked us that.
Last, what assurance would that give you? Maybe something broke during the horrible winter we just had, despite winterization.

So... pay for filling the pipes back up and inspecting. Don't pay to re-winterize until you back out, if you do. If the bank says nope you have to do it all in one day, then you have no choice but to do what they want.

My take on it is if the plumbing has been winterized the it was OK to start with.
I agree with Ma0641,

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Why not have the water turned on for a test if you are in contract. Could be nothing but could also be really big.

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It's summertime If you're concerned simply turn the water on and test the system, Good luck, Tom

Thanks, guys. The route I want to go is definitely having the water turned on and having it checked out then not re-winterizing unless the deal falls through. There is absolutely NO reason for me to waste more money on re-winterizing if I DO get the house. It seems pretty logical to me - BUT this is a short sale and the banks do not care at all about logic.

My other option is I am going to call the company that winterized it, wouldn't their records show what they were dealing with pre-winterizing etc?

Hire someone new, then they have a fiscal and legal responsibility to you. The other place doesn't.

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NO reason for me to waste more money on re-winterizing

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Don't pay someone to winterize it? Easy and simple to do. We can walk you through the process. Sound like a plan? Let me know, Tom

Have you checked and actually know what the cost/and procedure of winterizing is? Do that first and you may see its no big deal to rewinterize, and unneeded if the plumbing is fine and you are moving in.

How to Winterize Your Home's Plumbing System

Plumbing System - Check out our carpet and disaster recovery tips!

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Winterizing your plumbing is a virtually cost-free alternative to frozen pipes.

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Like I say its not that expensive and the important thing is knowing how long the home has been vacant and was the electricity for the heat left on and functional. Was the hot water tank drained completely.

How to Dewinterize a House: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

How to De-Winterize Plumbing in a House | eHow

There are additional links for things you need to know to cover your own a$$. No I don't trust bank inspectors, or those that the realtor has, so have your own guy ready and with you. One that work on YOUR behalf. (trust, but verify)

Good luck.

Since this is an expensive purchase, I would invest in de-winterizing the house and after inspection, winterize it again. Winterizing may sound like a big deal, but it may mean only to close incoming water on one side and drain house through a hose valve on the other side. Certainly, worth the money to see what I am getting into.

Good luck !

Milo