October is traditionally the month when cottages are closed until next season. A lot of costly spring repairs are made necessary by improperly drained pipes, pumps and tanks that have frozen and cracked or burst over the winter months. If you have never drained your cottage’s plumbing system before, you should have a licensed plumber take you through the process, in your cottage, step by step. Be sure to cover the following:

• Check all pipes and connections before you drain – mark any leaks for repairs.
• Check that supply lines all slope down to a low point under or outside the cottage. Turn off the power to the water pump and the hot water tank. Drain the hot water tank.
• Open all the taps inside and outside the cottage, then open the drain valves to let the water drain out. Leave them open through the winter.
• Flush all toilets and remove any remaining water in the tank or toilet bowl.
• Drain and disconnect any outside tanks and pumps.  
• Finally, winterize the system by pouring 2 cups of Propylene Glycol Antifreeze into each drain and 4 cups into each of the toilet bowls and tanks.

To reduce the likelihood of unwated surpreses, here are some other important things to remember:

• Do a walk-around inspection.  Check the siding, caulking around windows and doors, eaves and flashing, chimney and eaves troughs.  Trim back overhanging trees and cut back dead or damaged branches everywhere.
• Replace and test batteries in smoke alarms and CO2 detectors.
• Block any new mouse holes with steel wool.
• Close any propane tank valves.
• Turn off the main power.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• Leave keys and your phone number with a neighbour or someone else you trust, who can check the cottage regularly.