Before the snow flies, it is important to winterize your summer home to best prepare for the season ahead. Keep these winterization tips in mind to help prevent or minimize a loss to your summer home.
- If you heat your summer home throughout the winter, coordinate automatic fuel deliveries and set the heat in your home within the temperature range of 55 to 60 degrees. You should also install and test a freeze alarm to alert you to temperature drops before pipes have a chance of freezing.
An alternative option is to winterize your plumbing and protect against freeze-ups:
- Shut off your main water valve.
- Shut off your water pump and water heater.
- Blow out excess water from all pipes.
- Wrap pipes in insulated sleeves or slip-on foam pipe insulation.
- Open all drain valves and taps throughout your property.
- Open and drain hot water and holding tanks and let them discharge until empty.
- Flush toilets to remove as much water from the tanks and toilet bowls and add non-toxic antifreeze to prevent cracking and freezing of your toilet.
Complete a visual inspection of your property:
- Close and lock all doors and windows.
- Make certain all visible cracks are sealed.
- Turn off all utilities and unplug appliances.
- If your property is lakeside, remove docks and boat lifts from the water and store them out of reach of springtime flooding.
Protect against rodents and other pests:
- Ensure that all entry points are closed or sealed.
- Remove all food and trash before you leave.
Prepare for winter care:
- Trim over-hanging and dead branches from trees nearby your home.
- Clean out gutters.
- Disconnect and drain your garden hose.
- Prepare for snow removal by flagging your driveway and any areas to avoid plowing.
- Establish a plan for keeping your roof and deck shoveled.
- Check on your property throughout the winter.