What is winterization?
Winterization, a form of ruggedization, is the preparation of year-round or summer-use equipment for cold weather and heavy snowfall. In this case, the equipment is your summer home and all of the parts and pieces that make it function and the securing of those parts to withstand the cold season. While there is specific maintenance for your plumbing, your pipes rely on the proper winterization of other parts of your home to stay secure.
And it’s that time of year again when you should start planning your house, cabin, or cottage for the coming winter months to prevent costly repairs come springtime. To help you with your winterization process, be it your first or fiftieth, we’ve compiled a handy checklist of tasks to keep your plumbing and the rest of your summer home safe and sound until your return.
Be ready for emergencies, but do everything you can to prevent them.
Thwart thieves by becoming an unattractive and uncertain target. Forward your mail, alert the police that the property will be vacant, ask neighbors to keep an eye out, and give a trusted contact a copy of your key and contact list.
Taking pictures of your home as you walk through can help in the event you need proof of the state of your home before you departed. Store valuables offsite, reinforce locks on doors and windows, and avoid posting about travel plans until after you’ve returned.
Check your heating systems and your insulation.
One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to not let indoor temperatures get cold enough to freeze them in the first place. Set your thermostat to a temperature between 50 and 55 degrees. This range can prevent mold and mildew from forming, grouted tiles from buckling, and pipes from freezing. Make sure to seal air leaks, which are common around pipes, dryer vents, and electrical wiring.
Unplug everything.
Unplugging all computers, kitchen appliances (including your fridge, which should be emptied and the door left open), and other electronics can protect them from power surges and save you money.
Inspect the roof and clear your gutters.
Raised shingles can suggest improper ventilation or improper installation, exposing your roof to moisture and air leaks. Pests can use this as an opportunity to occupy your eaves and create nests. Closing the chimney flue and damper can also prevent animals and cold air from entering.
Often overlooked are also gutters, which when cleared can help melting ice and snow flow freely away from your home instead of into your ceilings and walls.
Shut off and drain the water.
First, turn off the main supply, and then work through the house and open up all the faucets. Draining outdoor hoses and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines is also important. Empty out toilets or add non-toxic plumbing-rated antifreeze. Keep in mind that your home may require more than this, and giving Mildren Plumbing a call can help you create a personalized plan to protect your pipes in the winter.
Wrap up the outside of your home.
Be sure to store or cover outdoor furniture and check if your deck needs a coat of sealant. Move vehicles that will be left behind into garages, and store away decorations.
Stay fire safe.
Double check that smoke detectors are operating with new batteries, and if you have fire extinguishers, make sure they’re up to date and in the right place to be accessible to your trusted contacts and emergency responders.
Keep your plumbing warm.
Consider having your piping wrapped or insulated in areas like garages, crawl spaces, and attics. Pipes run through cold parts of your home where temperature can not be regulated. This is why it’s a great idea to consider having a water flow sensor installed on your main water supply pipe and hooked into a constantly-monitored alarm system or to your phone.
Avoid pipe emergencies before they start.
Moen’s Flo Smart Water Sensor is a fantastically-rated option for your vacant winter home, and Mildren Plumbing has it ready to install. The smart device is installed on your home’s main water supply line and then connected to WiFi, where it can provide real-time water flow, pressure, and temperature readings directly to your smartphone. If it detects even so much as a drip leak, it will automatically turn off your water to save your home from damage. Additional Smart Leak Detectors can be placed anywhere you’re worried about separate leaks. The overall cost should be between $1,000 and $2,000, but it can save you multiples of that in damages. Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to break down the exact cost based on your summer home’s specific needs.
Winterization is a vital part of preparing your summer home for next year when you return! Let the professionals at Mildren Plumbing help you protect your pipes. We are committed to keeping Bigfork and the surrounding Flathead Valley areas of Montana winter safe. Complete our form, or call us today, and our staff will contact you to schedule a visit to talk about addressing your specific home’s winter needs.