Lake Water System Winterization
Complete winterization service for Muskoka lake water systems. Professional water line blow-out, pump protection, and freeze damage prevention for cottages and seasonal properties.
Schedule WinterizationWhy Professional Winterization is Essential
Lake water systems are complex - much more so than simple cottage plumbing. With intake lines extending deep into the lake, pump systems, pressure tanks, and extensive piping, there are many points where water can freeze and cause catastrophic damage.
Unlike household plumbing where gravity can help drain pipes, lake water systems often have low points that trap water, horizontal runs that don't drain fully, and pumps that hold water internally. Professional compressed air blow-out is essential for complete water removal.
⚠️ Critical Warning:
Even a small amount of water left in your lake water system can freeze, expand, and cause thousands of dollars in damage to pumps, pipes, tanks, and fixtures. Don't risk DIY shortcuts.
Our Complete Winterization Process
Systematic approach to protect every component of your lake water system
System Shutdown
Turn off and lock out electrical power to pump system. Close main shutoff valve from lake intake. This prevents accidental system activation during winterization.
- • Circuit breaker shut off and tagged
- • Main water valve closed
- • System de-energized safely
Open All Fixtures
Open every faucet, shower, toilet valve, and appliance connection in the cottage. This allows air to flow through and helps water drain during the blow-out process.
- • All hot and cold faucets opened
- • Shower valves in drain position
- • Toilet shut-off valves opened
- • Appliance connections opened
Initial Gravity Drainage
Open drain valves at low points in the system. Allow gravity to remove as much water as possible before compressed air blow-out. Drain pressure tank completely.
- • Low-point drain valves opened
- • Pressure tank drained via valve
- • Water allowed to flow naturally
Pump System Winterization
For jet pumps: Remove drain plugs and fully drain pump body. For submersible pumps in pump chambers: Drain chamber and protect pump. Remove and store removable pumps.
- • Jet pump body completely drained
- • Pump chamber water removed
- • Impeller housing emptied
- • Check valves drained or removed
Compressed Air Blow-Out
Using specialized equipment, we introduce compressed air into the water system. Starting with the intake line and working through every branch, we blow out all remaining water. This is the most critical step.
- • Professional air compressor used (minimum 10 CFM)
- • Controlled pressure (40-60 PSI typical)
- • Each line blown individually
- • Process repeated until only air escapes
Hot Water Tank Winterization
If you have a hot water tank, we shut off power/gas, drain it completely via drain valve, and open pressure relief valve. For thorough drainage, we may remove heating elements.
- • Power/gas supply disconnected
- • Tank drained via bottom valve
- • Pressure relief valve opened
- • Elements removed if needed
Fixture Protection
Add RV antifreeze to all drain traps (sinks, showers, floor drains) to prevent trap water from freezing. Pour antifreeze into toilets. This protects trap seals and toilet bowls.
- • RV antifreeze in all traps
- • Toilet bowls and tanks treated
- • Floor drains protected
- • Washing machine connections treated
Filtration System Protection
If you have water filters, UV systems, or softeners, these require special attention. Filters are removed, housings drained, and UV lamps may be removed for storage.
- • Filter cartridges removed
- • Filter housings drained and blown out
- • UV systems drained or protected
- • Softener systems winterized
Lake Intake Line Treatment
The intake line from the lake requires special attention. We ensure it's drained and leave the intake valve open. If you have a removable intake, we can pull it for winter.
- • Intake line blown clear
- • Foot valve position checked
- • Removable intakes pulled if requested
- • Intake valve left in open position
Final Inspection & Documentation
We conduct a final walk-through, verify all steps are complete, document the winterization for your records (insurance may require this), and provide spring start-up instructions.
- • Complete system verification
- • Documentation provided
- • Spring start-up guide given
- • Any issues noted for spring
Common Winterization Mistakes
Avoid these costly errors with professional service
Incomplete Blow-Out
Using household air compressors or not having enough CFM/pressure to fully clear lines. Water remains trapped in low points and horizontal runs.
Forgotten Components
Missing water heaters, outdoor hose bibs, pump chambers, or filtration systems. Each holds water that will freeze.
Pump Not Drained
Jet pumps have drain plugs that must be removed. Submersible pumps in chambers need chamber drainage. Frozen pumps are expensive.
Pressure Tank Not Empty
Pressure tanks hold significant water under pressure. Both the tank and bladder can be damaged by freezing.
Excessive Air Pressure
Using too much pressure can damage fixtures, blow out seals, or rupture pipes. Proper pressure control is essential.
Wrong Antifreeze
Using automotive antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze in traps. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and can damage plumbing.
Spring Start-Up Service
Professional de-winterization to safely restore your lake water system
Our Spring Start-Up Includes:
Check for any winter damage, verify all components are intact, inspect for leaks or issues
Reinstall drain plugs, replace check valves if needed, ensure pump is ready for operation
Open intake valve, prime pump system, slowly refill pressure tank and all lines
Remove all air from system by running each fixture until water flows smoothly
Install new filter cartridges, restart UV systems, restore filtration
Adjust pressure tank and switch settings for optimal performance
Refill and restart water heater, test for proper operation
Test all fixtures, check for leaks, verify pressure and flow, ensure everything works perfectly
🌸 Annual Package Available
Book both fall winterization and spring start-up together for priority scheduling and package discount. We'll keep you on our schedule for both services.
Winterization Timing
❄️ Best Timing
- • Mid-October: Ideal time before freeze risk
- • After Last Weekend: When you're done using water
- • Before Thanksgiving: Traditional closing time
- • Watch Forecast: Before overnight temperatures hit freezing
- • While Warm: Easier to work in comfortable conditions
📅 Book Early!
October is our busiest month! Everyone rushes to close cottages at the same time.
- • Book by early September for best availability
- • Returning customers get priority scheduling
- • Emergency service available but not guaranteed
- • Weather can force schedule changes
⚠️ Don't Risk It!
An unexpected early freeze can cause thousands in damage overnight. Muskoka weather is unpredictable - be proactive! We recommend winterizing before Thanksgiving regardless of forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our plumbing services
Schedule Lake Water Winterization
Protect Your Lake Water System This Winter
Don't risk freeze damage. Book professional winterization service with Muskoka's lake water experts.