Vacation Cabin Upkeep: How to Winterize a
Cabin
Closing down a vacation cabin at the end of a long, relaxing summer
is important to insure harsh winter weather doesn’t play havoc
on plumbing or other fixtures. Taking time to properly winterize
a cabin is also a great way to save fuel costs.
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To take the guess work out of how to winterize your vacation home,
use the handy checklist below:
- Make sure the water to your summer cottage is cut off at the
source. Winterize plumbing; bleed pipe and water heater lines
(see How to Drain Heater Water section below). If water is to
remain on, winterize pipe lines to prevent freezing.
- Protect sink, bathtub, and shower drain traps by pouring about
1 cup of plumbing antifreeze down each drain.
- Turn off electricity to the vacation cabin if there are no electrical
items that will remain on, or unplug unused electrical appliances.
- If your summer cottage has central air conditioning, cover the
outside condenser; if you’ve a window air conditioning unit,
weatherize it well with insulation and plastic.
- Cover windows with plywood or plastic in areas with heavy snowfall.
This prevents snow and ice from building up on window ledges,
which can later melt and seep into your vacation cabin, or cause
damage to the wood frame.
- Clean gutter rain spouts and other drainage systems so they
will work properly.
- Check foundation and roof air vents to insure they are clear.
- Winter is a great time for septic tank maintenance; add a commercial
septic treatment or enzyme product to aid in breaking down solids.
- Weatherize external features such as flower beds, landscape
or floodlights, patio, and water spigots.
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Uncertain how to winterize your outdoor faucet? Insulated external
faucet covers are available commercially. Or wrap strips of toweling
or blanket insulation around the faucet; cover with plastic. Note:
avoid using regular antifreeze, which is very toxic, to winterize
water pipes and drains in your vacation cabin. Use plumbing antifreeze;
for campers and mobile homes.
How to Drain Heater Water
Further weatherize your home by draining the water heater. Take
the following steps:
- Make sure the circuit breaker is turned off
- Connect a hose running from the water heater drain valve to
a drain sourc
- Open the water heater drain valve and drain out the water
Note: the water heater drain valve is usually located
on the lower side of the heater; if not, refer to your owner manual.
How to Drain a Water Softener Uni
- Unplug the unit
- Take the fittings apart on top of the water softener (where
water piping connects to the unit)
- Uncouple the two lines; let them drain in a bucket
These great tips on how to winterize your vacation home will go
a long way in preventing cold weather problems. If you require the
services of contractor handymen or a general contractor to help
winterize a cabin or make repairs, post your project needs online
at HandyCanadian.com.
Membership and posting job requirements online is fast, easy, and
free; without obligation. Click
here to register today. Questions? E-mail us at info@handycanadian.com.
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