Things to check on plumbing when arriving and leaving the cottage

August 27th, 2021

Although summer is still here and there are still many beautiful days to enjoy the cottage, it is still important to know what to do to close it before winter as well as what to do to open it at the beginning of the warm season. The following blog post will provide an overview of the steps to take to open and close your cottage to avoid unpleasant surprises during the season, especially when it comes to your plumbing.

The opening

Usually, you can proceed with the opening of the cottage during a weekend. This is a good opportunity to invite family and friends to help out. Once the work is done, you can enjoy your haven with your loved ones. Of course, it is always possible to extend the cleaning of the property over a longer period of time.

Upon arrival, the first thing to check is to identify if there has been any water infiltration in the building. With the melting of snow, it is always possible that your cottage has suffered from water entry inside, especially if you notice cracks in the structure or that the windows or doors are no longer watertight. An inspection of the foundation and your pipes should also be on your to-do list.

Water

Concerning the water supply, before opening the valves of the appliances and the main line, we will first verify that they are all well closed to be sure to make the steps in the right order. Under normal circumstances, there should be no leaks. Also, before inspecting the water heater and plugging it in, wait until the tank is full again.

The septic tank

For wastewater disposal, make sure that the wastewater pipes from the cottage to the septic tank are tight. If it is time to empty the tank, it is important to call in a professional. The emptying of the tank must be done according to government standards with proper equipment. It must be emptied every 4 years in the case of a seasonal dwelling. Once the septic tank is emptied, it is then possible to close the drain valve and run the water in all the taps of the cottage for a few minutes. Once the taps are closed, check that none of them are still running.

Closing

In winter and summer, power outages can happen. When the power goes out, the pipes can freeze. If this happens, the pipes could spill into the cottage. To avoid flooding and reduce potential damage, be sure to shut off the water to the house and turn off the power to the pump.

Drain the water

It is also important to drain the pipes by opening all the faucets, this will help drain the pipes and if possible, blowing into the pipes to empty them completely. By opening the drain valve near the pump, the water in the entire piping system will drain into a bucket or a floor drain. Then make sure to empty the hot water tank, once the power is turned off, using a hose that you plug into the drain valve, as well as the toilet tank by flushing. To flush the water pump. Also make sure there is no water left in the washer or dishwasher or in the “s” pipes under the plumbing fixtures. Pour plumbing antifreeze into the drain lines of sinks, bathtubs, showers and toilet bowls.

There are several important steps to take when closing or opening a cottage. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact professionals who will advise you and who can go on site to ensure that everything is done correctly. After all, the cottage is meant for relaxation!