How to Guard Against Frozen Water Pipes at Your Kawartha Cottage
Date: 01/15/2016
How to prepare your pipes for winter
Ensure you know where the main water shut-off valve is in your cottage and how it operates
Insulate pipes most prone to freezing, especially those near outside walls and in crawl spaces, the attic, and your garage. You can insulate pipes with foam pipe covers available from building supply or home improvement stores
Seal air leaks in your home and garage to stop cold air from getting in. Check around windows and doors, electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes
Unscrew outdoor garden hoses, turn off your outdoor water supply and allow your taps to drain before the first frost
If your pipes are prone to freezing, there may be a problem you cannot see. Contact a plumber for advice on how best to protect your cottage.
Things you can do when the temperature drops below zero
Keep areas that contain indoor water pipes above 8°C
Keep your garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in your garage
Open kitchen, bathroom, and laundry cabinet doors to allow warm air to flow around the plumbing
If you won’t be at your cottage for an extended period, turn off the water at the main service valve and open the taps to drain the water from your plumbing lines. You may also wish to have someone check your cottage regularly.
