Inspections
D homes are sold as is, without warranty “AS-IS”. That means HUD generally will not make repairs except to preserve and protect the property or to eliminate a major safety issue. There are financing options such as the 203k loan program to assist home owners in financing such repairs. It is encouraged that all buyers get an inspection after the offer is accepted.
Buyer's have 15 days to do all inspections after ratification. Utilities, dewinterization and winterization are all the responsibilty of the buyer including all associated expenses.
Contact the Field Service Manager for Utilities/Dewinterization/and ReWinterization.
Should there be any indication of plumbing issues on the PCR(Property Condition Report) the FSM will not allow the property to be dewinterized.
Contact Field Service Manager (FSM) for Dewinterization/Rewinterization. (If don't know assigned FSM, go back to www.HudHomeStore.com and click on the property contacts tab..put case number in and search.)
Contact information is:
Buyers' can be released from the Sales Contract based on the Home Inspection only upon presentation of the inspection to HUD with validation that repairs were greater than the (PCR) Property Condition Report indicated. Deposits will be refunded with proper proof.
Instructions for de-winterization are below.
In-line Pressure Test Kit
$39.99
Line Pressure Test Kit tests boilers, water tanks, faucets
Line pressure test kit features quick connections, air gauge and hose to connect to a boiler, water tank or any standard hose connection. Use with an air compressor to evacuate plumbing lines and verify system integrity by monitoring the gauge.
Line Pressure Test Kit features:
• Check for pressure loss due to leaks or line restrictions
• Gauge reads 0-100 psi
• 30" soft hose.
De- Winterizing a property
Before De-winterizing any HUD home you must verify with the HUD Property Inspection
Report (HPIR), refer to section 3 the Property Condition Report to verify there was no leaks or
deficiencies noted with in the plumbing system during the pressure test. If any leaks or
deficiencies are noted do not de-winterize.
Steps to properly de-winterize a property
1. Walk the entire property to look for any visible damage to the plumbing system, if any
damage is noted DO NOT charge the lines as it may cause damage to the property. If
damage is noted contact the FSM before proceeding.
2. Remove all aerators from all interior faucets, this will allow any build-up that may have
accumulated in the lines to properly drain out.
3. Open all angle stop valves at the kitchen sink, utility sink, and all vanity/bathroom sinks.
At the same time make sure all faucets are in the off position, this will include all
tub/shower valves.
4. If appliances are not present make sure the refrigerator/washing machine supplies are
in the off position to prevent flooding when the lines are charged. At the same time turn
off all toilet angle stops and the supply line to the dishwasher to prevent any damage
when the lines are charged.
5. Open the supply line at the hot water heater; make sure the T&P valve is closed.
(If the water heater is electric, DO NOT turn power on to the water heater until the tank
is 100% full.)
6. Locate and open an exterior hose bib, this will allow you to see when the water is on
while also preventing pressure from building too fast which can cause damage to the
plumbing.
7. Locate the water meter/main line shutoff. Slowly open the water main a quarter turn
every 5-10 seconds (DO NOT jerk the valve open). This will allow the pressure to
gradually build; jerking the valve open may cause lines to burst.
8. Go to the hot water heater and verify it is filling with water.
9. Go to each faucet and slowly turn the water on to allow the lines to flush out (let them
run for several minutes). While the faucets are running you can now turn on all the
toilet angle stops (slowly) once the tank is full flush the toilet to flush any anti-freeze
out. This will also be a good time to open any tub/shower lines to allow them to purge.
10. With all faucets running you may return outside to shut the exterior hose bib off.
11. Now return to each faucet and shut it off, make sure to check under every sink to check
for any visible leaks.
12. Now that the system is charged, no visible leaks are noted make sure the water heater is
full and that no faucets/toilets are running. With everything off and the water still on go
outside to the meter, at this time the meter should not be spinning. If the meter is
spinning there may be an active leak with in the plumbing system, at this time you
would turn the water and try to locate the leak and contact your FSM.
13. Re-install all aerators; the property is now fully de-winterized.
If at any time during this process a leak is detected immediately turn off the water at the
meter and open an exterior hose bib at the lowest point of the property to allow all water to
drain from the system to prevent any further property damage. Once the water is off and the
system is drained immediately call the FSM so the issue can be addressed.
By de-winterizing the property you take full responsibility for any damages that may occur,
the FSM will not assume any liability for the de-winterization of any property.
We highly recommend a licensed/insured plumber be contacted to de-winterize any
property.