How do you close down a cottage for the winter?
Elijah King
Updated on April 03, 2026
How do you close down a cottage for the winter?
A step-by-step guide to closing your cottage for the winter
- Inspect your septic tank.
- Keep the sump pump pumping.
- Drain your pipes.
- Clean your gutters.
- Inspect your roof.
- Keep pesky pests outdoors.
- Unplug major appliances.
- Turn the heating down (or off).
How do you drain plumbing cottage?
Drain your pipes
- Turn all the taps to the open position.
- Open the drain valve located near the pump, and let the water run out.
- Turn off the power to and drain the hot water tank by connecting a hose to the drain valve.
- Empty the toilet tank by flushing the toilet.
- Purge the water pump.
What’s the best way to dewinterize a house?
Dewinterizing a house will require checking every fixture before you even begin to turn on the water. Go around to every fixture and make sure that the flex lines are connected. Check the sinks, toilets, icemaker, dishwasher, water heater, and whatever else you might have in the house that is connected to the water supply.
What should I do if my cottage pipes freeze?
“Think of constantly shaking a lamp.” If you do close in the underside of the cottage, you should also insulate the space and limit drafts blowing on the pipes. When it comes to frozen plumbing, “drafts are one of the biggest culprits,” says Groulx.
What should I do to winterize my cottage?
Depending on the type of windows currently installed at your seasonal property, they may need to be swapped out for a year-round alternative (such as new double-paned windows). Properly protect summer-only fixtures and toys.
How do you turn the water back on after a dewinterize?
Prepare to turn the water back on. First, remove the aerators from the sink and tub faucets. Use your hands to unscrew them from the faucet heads. If aerators are tight and hard to unscrew, use pliers and twist off. Turn all faucets in the home to the “off” position before you open the shutoff valves to the supply lines.
What’s the best way to winterize your plumbing?
Steps for Winterizing Your Plumbing. Follow these steps to winterize plumbing pipes in a house: Shut off the main water valve, and then turn off the water pump and the water heater. It will protect heating elements in the water heater when there is no water inside the tank. Open all drain valves and all taps.
What should I do if my house gets dewinterized?
Remember to open the shutoff valves on the water supply lines to your refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine and water softener if you have one. Turn the power off at the breaker box for an electric hot water heater. Close the pressure relief valve on the water heater.
“Think of constantly shaking a lamp.” If you do close in the underside of the cottage, you should also insulate the space and limit drafts blowing on the pipes. When it comes to frozen plumbing, “drafts are one of the biggest culprits,” says Groulx.
What’s the best way to winterize a cottage?
The 6 Best Tips For Winterizing Your Cottage 1. Winterize Before it Gets Cold 2. The Insurance Implications Of Winterizing 3. Secure The Surrounding Property 4. Protect Windows and Screens 5. Protect The Plumbing 6. Some Final Steps