For the lucky folks owning cottages in the Muskoka & Simcoe County area, their family time in summer is rarely spent preparing for the winter closing procedures.

However, that doesn’t mean that the off-season should be overlooked until the last minute and the snow is already flying... unless of course they have a reliable plumbing contractor like Harris Plumbing just one call away! The professionals at Harris Plumbing are Seasonal Plumbing experts!

As Richard Brignall writes for Cottage Life:

“…whether you’re an old hand or closing up for the first time, a little care this fall will make sure you’re not sleepless in the city through the long winter months.”

Laying The Groundwork

Winter cottage living in Canada is often fun and peaceful, especially for those residing near any body of water. Some private cottages are even rented out during the winter months – just imagine a blanket of white snow, ready for you and your family to create snow angels, snowmen, and to go sledding through! If the water and sewer facilities are going to be used throughout the winter months, those systems must be equipped to brave the cold temps. (which can be done of course – ask us how) 

However, if you’re using the family cottage just up until the freeze-up, you’ll need to do some groundwork. Enlisting cottage plumbing specialists like the team at Harris Plumbing, who specialize in winterizing cottages, will help you get things underway before the weather really sets in.

Below are just a few things you should consider:

Planning Ahead

As mentioned, it’s a good idea to get the ball rolling on your cottage up-keep during the summer and fall – before the snow starts to pile up! This means that you’ll need to think ahead and call expert plumbers like Harris Plumbing who can inspect your cottage plumbing systems to ensure they’re working properly and can be winterized to take on the cold.

Disconnecting Cottage Power 

It’s also important to ask that a plumbing crew inspect your grid, as cottage plumbing is reportedly not rated to withstand winter temps in most cases.

Therefore, any power circuits connected to the water pumps and heating mechanisms should be turned off, and great care is required to keep power lines away from any water areas.

Note: If you have a garburator on the sink, Brignall says that you should disconnect that too. However, at Harris Plumbing, we believe that to make your cottage more environmentally friendly, you should instead consider having your garburator removed.

Cottage Water & Valve Ventilation

It’s a common fact among plumbers and homeowners that any leftover water in a house’s plumbing grid can freeze up and expand as the temperatures drop. As such, start by opening all faucets and drain valves in the house to vent all the air pressure and water within; this prevents the water from freezing in the pipes. An air compressor linked to the drain valve also forces out water in remote sections of the plumbing grid.

According to Brignall, machinery for hot water (like a tank or tankless water heater), as well as a pressure tank or gravity tank must be completely drained as well. Don’t forget winterizing your water filtration system, laundry machines, dishwashers, pumps and toilets.

So You Want To Cottage All Winter?

Some of us just can’t get enough of the cottage. For some it’s our safe haven. For some it’s the place of love where our children grew up and now the grandchildren love it too! For some it’s a quiet refuge to unwind and read after a long week at the office. Whatever your personal reason, cottaging in winter is truly magical.

If you want to investigate what it would take to turn your beloved cottage or cabin into a 4-season retreat, just give us a call at Harris Plumbing. We’ll have a look and let you know what’s required to equip your water and sewer systems to withstand the cold, blustery days ahead safely. Depending on your existing structure and your budget, it’s worth looking into. You’ve invested in your family cottage probably for many years. Why limit the fun to just a few months? We can help.

Contact Harris Plumbing Today to Schedule Your Cottage Closing Service!

The professionals at Harris Plumbing are extremely trained and experienced in the pros and cons of seasonal plumbing. It’s different from your plumbing at home. We provide our expert plumbing services to hundreds of cottage owners in spring, fall and throughout the summer and winter seasons.

Even if you ultimately decide not to stay at the cottage, don’t hesitate to contact plumbing companies like Harris Plumbing, who specialize in safeguarding pipes and have locations in Muskoka & Simcoe County. Your cottage (and your family) will thank you for it.