Closing the Cottage: The Ultimate Winterization Checklist
There is a bittersweet feeling that settles over Traverse City as the leaves turn and the docks come out of the water. For our seasonal residents, it means saying goodbye to the lake for a few months. But while you’re packing up the boat and locking the windows, there is one task that shouldn’t be rushed: winterizing your plumbing and HVAC systems.
Northern Michigan winters are beautiful, but they are unforgiving. A single burst pipe caused by freezing temperatures can cause catastrophic water damage, turning your spring return into a renovation nightmare.
At Grant Mechanical, we want your return in the spring to be as relaxing as your departure in the fall. Here is our ultimate checklist for closing down your cottage safely.
1. The Water System: Drain It All
Water expands when it freezes. If water is left inside your copper or PEX pipes, it creates immense pressure that will eventually cause a rupture.
Shut Off the Main Supply
Locate your main water shut-off valve (usually in a basement, crawl space, or utility closet) and turn it off completely. If you have a well, switch off the breaker to the pump.
Drain the Water Heater
Once the power/gas to the water heater is off, connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and let the water run out into a floor drain or outside. Tip: Open the pressure relief valve to help the water flow faster.
Open All Faucets
Walk through the entire cottage—kitchen, bathrooms, wet bar, outdoor spigots—and open every single tap. This relieves the vacuum and allows gravity to pull most of the water out of the system. Leave them open for the winter.
2. The Professional Standard: Blowing Out the Pipes
While gravity draining helps, it is rarely 100% effective. Piping systems often have “bellies” or low spots where water pools and remains trapped. In a Traverse City winter, that trapped water will freeze and burst the pipe.
This is where compressed air is essential. Using an air compressor to blow out the lines ensures that every drop of water is forced out of the system.
- Note: This requires a compressor with sufficient volume, not just high pressure. If you are uncomfortable doing this or lack the equipment, this is a service Grant Mechanical provides. It is the cheapest insurance policy against water damage you can buy.
3. Protect the Traps: The "Pink" Antifreeze
Even after the water lines are dry, water remains in the “P-traps” under your sinks, showers, and toilets (the U-shaped pipe meant to block sewer gases). If this water freezes, it can crack the porcelain of your toilet or split the drain pipes.
- Use RV/Marine Antifreeze: Ensure you buy the pink non-toxic antifreeze (specifically labeled for plumbing/RV use), not automotive antifreeze, which is highly toxic.
- Pour it everywhere: Pour a cup or two down every sink drain, shower drain, and bathtub drain.
- The Toilet: Flush the toilet to empty the tank. Sponge out any remaining water in the tank. Then, pour antifreeze into the bowl until the trap is filled.
4. Prepare Your Appliances
Don’t forget the water hiding in your appliances!
- Dishwasher: Run a short cycle, then cancel and drain. Pour a little antifreeze into the bottom where the drain is.
- Washing Machine: Turn off the supply hoses and disconnect them. Run a “spin” cycle for a few seconds to push water out of the internal pump.
- Refrigerator: If you have an ice maker, disconnect the water line and drain it.
5. Your HVAC System: The Temperature Debate
Should you turn the heat off completely?
- If you have drained and blown out the plumbing professionally: You can turn the heat off, but keep in mind that extreme cold can still stress drywall and wood finishes.
- The Safer Bet: We recommend setting your thermostat to 50–55°F. This keeps the interior above freezing, protecting the structure and providing a fail-safe if a little water remains in a hidden pipe.
- Fresh Filter: Replace your furnace filter before you leave. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which is the last thing you want when the system is running unmonitored for months.
Peace of Mind for the Off-Season
Closing the cottage is a lot of work, and missing a single step can lead to a messy surprise in April. If you want to ensure your Traverse City home is winterized to the highest standard, let the experts handle it.
Contact Grant Mechanical today to schedule your cottage winterization. We will blow out your lines, check your furnace, and ensure your home is buttoned up tight against the Michigan frost.
