As much as we don’t want to admit it, the summer months are over. Leaves are changing. Nights are cooler. It’s time to start talking about shutting down our cabins for the season.

As you run through your regular routine of cleaning, decluttering, shutting things down and wrapping things up, take a few extra steps to do a seasonal inventory. These tips will hopefully keep your cabin protected this winter.

Additional Tasks

Aside from the tasks you have to consistently perform, like winterizing your boat and taking in the dock, there are several tasks you should do outside of your cabin that will make a difference for you when spring comes around.

Insulate your Pipes

Access crawlspaces and areas where pipes can be insulated. Wrap them with insulating tape or foam pipe wrap in order to protect them from freezing. Also, as part of this task, keep cabinet doors open that give you access to pipes inside the cabin. This will allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes behind the walls.

Seal Leaks

Take a look around the outside of your cabin: around doors and windows, air vents and dryer vents. Look for areas where air or moisture can get into the cabin. Also look for bigger access points where critters can get in. Use silicon sealant for small cracks or gaps. Use something bigger and stronger for the larger gaps.

Roof and Gutters

Do a final cleaning of gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged roofs. By removing leaves, sticks, and other debris from the gutter’s downspouts, you’re freeing up the pathway for water to drain off of your roof and get away from your shingles. Also, as part of this job, be sure to check your shingles and roof for cracks, splits, or signs of water damage. The coming winter months will expose that damage and even make it worse.

Winterize Your Septic

1.  Shut off the water.

2.  Turn off gas and electricity to your water heater/boiler.

3.  Drain Faucets. Open all faucets (inside and outside of the cabin), starting upstairs.

4.  Drain Water Appliances (water heater, filtration systems, softeners, etc.)

5.  Add Antifreeze. Fill traps and drains with antifreeze (1 quart for your drains and traps and a gallon for each toilet). Flush.

Let Septic Check know what help you need at each step of the septic winterizing process. We can help you know exactly what needs to be done for your septic system to be protected from the oncoming winter season.