Preparing your cottage for winter is one of the things that you need to do as the leaves of autumn begin to fall. Wintering the home is important since plumbing tends to freeze during the cold months.
Whether your cottage is going to be your home for just a couple of weeks or not, it’s important to keep its plumbing in good order. That way, everything will be in tip-top shape when spring arrives.
Here are some ways on how you can winterize your cottage plumbing:
- Shut off all the pipes and tanks. If you’re not staying in the cottage for the rest of the winter season, be sure to turn off the power from heating pumps and water tanks. As long as water remains in the pipes, the plumbing can freeze up, making the pipelines very brittle and easy to crack.
- Use anti-freeze chemicals on sinks and toilets. If you have already drained the pipes, moisture is still trapped inside and this can contribute to the easy freezing up of the plumbing system. The anti-freeze chemicals should be able to take care of the moisture problem in the pipes.
- Shovel snow away from the cottage and not against the walls. In places where winter is severe, dealing with snow on the roof and the driveway can be extremely cumbersome. When shoveling off snow, make sure that it is far away from the walls of the cottage. Placing the snow beside the cottage can freeze up the plumbing system more easily.
- Clean gutters thoroughly. The gutter is one of the most overlooked parts of the house. Prevent putting additional weight to the gutter by removing the garbage and other objects from the roof.
- Cover up holes in windows and doors. Cold air can easily enter the cottage, if the windows and doors are sealed. If you’re not staying in the cottage overnight, use newspaper or rugs in sealing the small cracks.
Edenflo’s array of services and expertise will ensure your cottage is winterized and safe during the chilly season. Call us to arrange an inspection or service appointment.