Owning a vacation home means relaxation and escape when you need it most. But when cold weather rolls in, it’s important to ensure your property is ready to brave the winter season. Neglecting your plumbing during the colder months can lead to frozen pipes, water damage, and costly repairs.
Here’s a stress-free checklist to protect your vacation home’s plumbing so it remains in top condition, even when you’re away.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent plumbing issues is by turning off the main water supply to your vacation home. This stops water from sitting in the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing. After shutting off the water, be sure to run the remaining water out of your faucets.
Pro tip: Make a habit of marking your water shutoff valve for easy access. If the valve is tricky to close, consider having it serviced by a licensed plumber.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes running through unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, or garages are more prone to freezing. Wrapping these exposed pipes in foam insulation sleeves or heat tape provides the extra warmth they need to resist the cold.
Why it’s important: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, a burst pipe during freezing weather can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day. Pipe insulation is a low-cost solution compared to the damage freezing can cause.
3. Drain Outdoor Water Fixtures
Don’t forget your outdoor garden hoses, spigots, and irrigation systems. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then shut off any valves leading to outdoor spigots. If your vacation home has sprinkler systems, they should also be drained to prevent ice buildup.
Extra tip: Invest in frost-proof spigots for added protection against harsh winter temperatures.
4. Keep the Heat On at a Low Setting
If you plan to spend winter away from your vacation home, leave the thermostat set to a minimum of 55°F. Keeping the heat on prevents the temperature in your home from dropping to freezing levels, which can safeguard your plumbing.
Insider advice: Use a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust your vacation home’s indoor temperature remotely, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are.
5. Seal Cracks and Drafts
Inspect areas around your home where cold air could seep in, like cracks near windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulking or weather stripping to seal those areas off. This not only keeps your home warmer but also reduces the risk of frozen pipes in walls or near drafty spaces.
Did you know? Even small drafts can exacerbate freezing temperatures in the areas surrounding your pipes. A little caulking can save you major repair headaches.
6. Add Antifreeze to Unused Drains
For homes that will remain unoccupied all winter, adding RV antifreeze (not automotive antifreeze) to unused drains and toilets is an additional safeguard. This prevents stagnant water in your plumbing traps from freezing and causing damage.
Important note: Always follow product instructions carefully and avoid using antifreeze in water systems you plan to use for drinking or cooking.
7. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Before winter fully sets in, it’s worth hiring a plumber to inspect your system for vulnerabilities, such as aging pipes, slow drains, or potential leaks. They may also suggest professional-grade winterizing techniques tailored to your home’s specifics.
Pro insight: A small investment in preventative measures with a professional can save you thousands in repair costs should an unexpected issue arise.
Enjoy a Worry-Free Winter
Properly winterizing your vacation home’s plumbing not only prevents costly damage but also gives you the confidence that your property is in good shape no matter how cold it gets. Take these steps today, and you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and expenses later.
