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Closing your cottage for the winter in six easy steps

When swimming in the lake starts to feel like taking a bath in liquid nitrogen and your interest in daily cocktails on the patio starts to wane, the signs are clear. The time has come to close your cottage. This comprehensive guide will help you make sure your cottage is squared away for the winter so that you can switch to hibernation mode with peace of mind!

1- Use your eagle eyes to detect signs of nature’s incursion

Investing a bit of time on prevention will save you a lot of time (and money!) on repairs.

  1. Inspect the roof and repair any breakage to prevent water infiltration. Do the same with your foundation and walls.
  2. Caulk doors and windows.
  3. Clean the gutters and inspect walls at ground level. Remove dead plants that have accumulated there that might attract vermin.
  4. Trim any trees that are encroaching on your cottage. That way, you’ll avoid having a pine tree branch break into your living room. 
  5. Block the bathroom, dryer and kitchen air vents so that birds and squirrels get the stay-away message.

2- Pamper your plumbing

Turn off the water

A frozen or broken pipe can spell water damage! And you don’t want to encourage mould growth. Turn off the water inlet to the cottage and turn off the power to the pump.

Drain your pipes

  1. Turn all the taps to the open position. If possible, use a compressor to flush out any remaining water. 
  2. Open the drain valve located near the pump, and let the water run out. 
  3. Turn off the power to and drain the hot water tank by connecting a hose to the drain valve.
  4. Empty the toilet tank by flushing the toilet.
  5. Purge the water pump.
  6. Check that no water remains in the dishwasher and washing machine.
  7. Finally, pour about two cups of plumbing antifreeze into the drain pipes (sinks, toilet, bath, dishwasher, washer, etc.).

Are you stuck at step B and already have a severe case of the hives? Call in the professionals to back you up! Our master plumbers working in the field are as fast as they are efficient.

3- Turn the heating down

To protect pipes from freezing and prevent moisture, set the temperature between 5°C and 7°C. Unplug all your electrical appliances. If electricity isn’t required in your absence, turn it off completely.

4- Empty the refrigerator and pantry

To discourage unwanted guests, take ALL your food home with you, including canned food. Grab any empty bottles as you go, as they can become all-you-can-eat buffet for insects. Defrost the freezer, clean the fridge and leave the door ajar.

5- Put away any tempting objects

Opportunistic thieves are another kind of undesirable presence in nature. These sneaky creatures can skulk into gardens looking to nab their future patio set or break a lock at the first sign of a 4K TV. Be sure to stow away your BBQ, pedal boat, garden hose and so forth. Don’t leave any valuables, including wine bottles, in sight of the windows.

6- Notify your insurer

Inform them of your winter plans. And to strike a deal with your happiness broker, remember to lock all doors and windows when you leave!

Plombier Expert is always on the job…even at the cottage!

Haven’t mastered the art of draining yet? We have! Call on our experts, and delegate part or all of your plumbing work. Your peace of mind is worth it!

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2019-09-19T17:03:39+00:00September 19th, 2019|