Winterization

Frozen pipes are the characteristic cold-weather failure in a manufactured home, because the plumbing is in a ventilated space beneath the floor rather than inside the heated envelope.

The correct approach is to insulate and heat the pipes, not to seal the crawl space. Pipe insulation, and heat tape where the climate warrants it, keep the water above freezing while allowing the space to keep breathing. Heat tape must be listed for the purpose and installed to its instructions, improvised heating under a home is a genuine fire risk.

Resist the temptation to block the skirting vents. It is the most common winterization mistake and it trades a pipe risk for a moisture problem that will still be there in July.

Before the first freeze: disconnect and drain garden hoses, insulate any exposed exterior spigot, check that skirting panels are intact so wind is not blowing directly across the pipes, and confirm the heat tape works if you have it.

If you leave the home unoccupied in winter, either keep the heat on at a low setting or have the system properly drained. A home left cold with water in the lines is how people return to a burst supply line and a soaked floor.