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Cottage Closeup


Posted by Skip on September 7th, 2003 07:08 PM
In reply to Closing a cottage for winter by Paul Ragas on September 7th, 2003 12:31 AM [Go to top of thread]

Having closed up our cabin in Maine for 35 years I would suggest the following:

Water Lines: Drain and blow out as you indicate. Look for any areas where water might not drain thorougly such as vertical pipes going to shower head and drain manually or add antifreeze as appropriate. Do NOT use car antifreeze in your drinking water lines. Use RV antifreeze (Recreational Vehicle Antifreeze)

Toilets: I drain the toilet tank by lifting the flapper valve once the water supply is turned off and add 2-3 cups RV antifreeze to the bowl. I once had a case where water was trapped in the vertical supply tube inside the toilet tank and it froze and cracked the assembly so now I make sure that has emptied also.

Traps (Sink,Shower, etc.): Add 2-3 cups of RV Antifreeze

Well Tank: Open drain valve and drain; leave drain valve open over the winter.

Electric Pump: Unplug power to electric pump. If this is a 'deep well submersible pump' you shouldn't have to do more. If it is a 'shallow well pump' where the pump is exposed to freezing temperatures you need to drain it. You need to determine where the drainage plugs are on the pump(usually one or two plugs on the body of the pump). If there is a manufacturers handbook with the pump look at that or look for the manufacturers web site and see if they have info or possibly contact their Customer Service by email or phone. Once you have the drain plug and inlet and output lines open, apply power to the pump but only for a FEW seconds to clear out any water trapped inside. Do not apply power any longer. If it is a shallow well pump you may be able to pull out the supply line from the well and hold the foot valve open and blow out that line from the pump to the valve.

Appliances: If you have any appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, etc they all need to be winterized according to manufacturers directions.

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