Close your cottage properly to prevent pipe damage
Its that time of year again where we must close up the cottage for the winter. If you are a new cottage owner, or are closing up the cottage for the first time these helpful tips will help prevent frozen pipes and avoid a hefty insurance claim.
Three steps to prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate outside pipes
- Shut off taps and pumps
- Drain the system
Insulate & cover outdoor pipes.
There are several options for insulating pipes. You can use preformed foam (similar to a pool noodle) that has a slit to wrap around the pipe. The foam can then be secured by tape or other adhesives. Insulation comes in other forms that can be wrapped around the lines and covered with a plastic wrap or tape. Automatic electrical pipe heating cables with built in thermostats can also be helpful to prevent pipes from freezing.
Shut Off & Drain THE SYSTEM
Its important to remember to shut off any outdoor taps. Shut off valves should also be located on the inside of your home or cottage. Shut the line off from the inside of your house and then open the tap on the exterior of your home to drain and release pressure.
If you are leaving your cottage for any prolonged time, you should shut off the main water line into your house. After the main water line has been shut off, open all the faucets in the house, including sinks and showers to get water out of the lines. It can sometimes be helpful to hook a compressor up to your main line and blow the lines out. You’ll also want to drain and turn off your hot water heater. Drain valve are normally located at the bottom of the water heater heater, with a pressure valve at the top of the tank to allow air to enter the tank. By removing water in the system you will prevent any freezing.
Kawartha Quotes Helpful Hint: Save your garden hose! Its also a good idea to drain your garden hose. It will extend the life of your hose, and prevent a leaky hose in the spring! The easiest way to drain your hose its to roll the hose out on a slope. Attachments are also available to hook your hose up to a compressor to blow the water out. If you have the space, you can store your hose inside during the winter to prevent it from freezing.
Questions about frozen pipes and what is covered by your insurance policy? Give Kawartha Quotes Insurance a call today: 1-888-231-2011 or contact us.
