It’s that sad time of year again for those who own a seasonal lake home; It’s time to winterize for
the cold months on the way. While you may not look forward to this process, it’s important to do
it correctly as well as thoroughly to ensure your lake home will be ready to go when the warm
weather returns. Here are just some of the things to do in order to prepare your lake home for
winter.
Remove All Food
It’s important to remove absolutely everything that might attract rodents and other small
creatures. It wouldn’t be pleasant to find a mouse in your box of cereal when spring comes
around. You should also make sure to wipe down all of your cabinets, as well as your kitchen
counter. If you are unplugging your refrigerator and freezer, be sure to wipe down the inside in
order to prevent mold and be sure it’s dry before you close the door.
Unplug Everything
You won’t want to receive a large electric bill for a home you aren’t using over the winter. Even
ensuring that small items that use electricity such as night lights aren’t plugged in can go a long
way in saving electricity over the months you aren’t using your lake home.
Become a Chimney Sweep
If you have a woodburning fireplace or stove, you should thoroughly clean it out. You should
also utilize a chimney cap, or at least make sure the chimney is covered to prevent animals from
coming in and making your lake home their home.
Pump Your Septic Tank
Your septic tank should be pumped out regularly depending on how many people are using it.
It’s a good idea to do it when you’re closing your lake home for the year. Putting leaves over the
top can help prevent your septic tank from freezing over the winter.
Avoid Frozen Pipes
If you can, turn the water off at its source, and drain all remaining water from the pipes. If the
water needs to remain on, be sure to winterize your pipes to prevent freezing. It will also help to
put some plumbing antifreeze down each of your drains just be sure to use plumbing
antifreeze, and not regular antifreeze. In addition, you should drain your water heater, as well as
your water softener.
Winterize the Outdoors
It’s not just the house that needs to be winterized. It’s important you give the same attention to
your yard. Cover all flowerbeds, winterize your patio or deck, and cover any outdoor faucet. You
should also be sure to perform basic lawn care such as raking or bagging leaves and mowing
your lawn. Put all outdoor furniture and decorations in the garage and cover them to keep them
clean over the winter months.
The Basic Chores
In the midst of all these activities, it’s important to remember the basics as well. Sweep and
scrub your kitchen and bathroom floors. Vacuum your carpets and shake the rugs. Dust the
furniture and wash the dishes. The cleaner you leave your lake home, the cleaner it will be
when you return.
Final Inspection
Before you leave for the last time, do a final inspection of your lake home. Make sure all the
lights are off and everything is unplugged. Check that all the windows are closed and locked. If
you have heating and plan to leave it on, be sure it is set to a cool temperature in order to save
money and energy. Finally, if you have an alarm, make sure it is set, and don’t forget to lock all
of your doors! Once you do all of this, the only thing to do is wait for winter to pass so you can
head back to the lake. Learn more tips all year round by following Sandelands Realty on
Facebook. – See more at: https://www.sandelandsrealty.com/blog/
Sandelands Realty