Winter Is Coming: Protect Your Cottage Plumbing Before It’s Too Late
Why It’s Important to Winterize Your Cottage Plumbing
We all love soaking up those warm summer days at the cottage — the campfires, the morning coffees on the deck, the late-night swims. But as much as we’d like summer to last forever, we know the colder months are coming. And with freezing temperatures comes one of the biggest risks to any cottage owner: frozen pipes.
If you’re packing up your cottage for the season, now is the perfect time to plan ahead and protect your plumbing system. Winterizing your cottage may not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest (and most cost-effective) things you can do.
Why Cottage Winterization Matters
Unlike a year-round home, cottages often sit unoccupied for months at a time. That makes them especially vulnerable to the freezing and thawing cycle of Canadian winters. When water is left in the pipes, even a small drop in temperature can cause it to freeze. Frozen water expands, which can lead to burst pipes, flooding, and serious property damage.
And here’s the kicker: these kinds of damages aren’t just inconvenient — they can be incredibly expensive. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, not to mention the hassle of cleanup and repairs.
What’s Involved in Winterizing a Cottage
When you hire a professional plumbing team to winterize your cottage, here’s what’s typically included:
1. Draining and Shutting Down Water Lines
We make sure every pipe in the cottage is drained properly, so there’s no leftover water sitting in the system. That includes indoor plumbing, outdoor faucets, and even appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
2. Protecting Pipes From Freezing
In some cases, we’ll add antifreeze to traps and drains as an extra layer of protection. This ensures nothing gets left behind that could freeze during the winter months.
3. Leak and Weak Spot Check
Small leaks may not seem like a big deal in the summer, but in the winter they can turn into major issues. We inspect your system and flag any weak spots that need attention.
4. Shutting Down and Securing Water Systems
From pumps to heaters, we ensure everything is properly shut down and ready for the long winter stretch.
The Benefits of Professional Winterization
Sure, you could attempt to DIY your cottage winterization — but plumbing systems are complicated, and missing just one step could cost you big time. Hiring a professional ensures:
Peace of mind knowing your cottage is safe until spring.
Expert attention to detail, so nothing gets missed.
Savings by avoiding costly repairs down the road.
Book Early and Stay Ahead of the Frost
The best time to winterize your cottage is before the first frost hits. By booking early, you’ll beat the rush and ensure your plumbing system is properly taken care of before temperatures dip.
When the snow finally melts and spring returns, you’ll be glad you took the time to protect your investment — and you’ll be able to enjoy your cottage right away without dealing with messy surprises.
