This guide covers plumbing winterization steps, while ABCO can help prepare seasonal properties with exterior drainage checks, cleanup and site readiness.
1. Flush, Shut Off and Drain
Before shutting off water, run every fixture about one minute on hot and cold. This does not sanitize or guarantee water quality; investigate rusty, cloudy or unusual-smelling water before winterizing.
Turn off or disconnect the supply, drain its hose and switch off the pump per its manual. Relieve pressure at a faucet; open approved hot- and cold-water low-point drains. Open kitchen and bathroom faucets and the shower on both settings. Drain shower hoses, sprayers, hose bibbs, exterior showers and outdoor-kitchen fixtures. Flush the toilet and remove tank and bowl water. Clear labeled manifolds branch by branch per the manual; never force valves.
2. Drain or Bypass the Water Heater
For an electric tank, turn off its dedicated breaker before draining and let the water cool. Drain it by the manual; bypass it if pumping winterizing product through the supply lines. Leave the breaker off and label it. In spring, refill the tank completely and purge air before restoring power.
A propane tankless heater retains water in its heat exchanger, valves and passages. Follow the model’s steps to shut off water, propane and power and open designated drains or plugs. Freeze protection depends on power and conditions; it does not replace draining. Do not blow air or pump antifreeze through it unless the manufacturer permits it. Use a qualified technician for gas work.
3. Carefully Blow Out Permitted Lines
Use compressed air only if every connected-component manual permits it. Connect a clean source at the normal main inlet with the correct adapter, regulator and gauge. Keep an outlet open; never pressurize a closed system.
Use 30 PSI or less, or the lowest connected-component limit, whichever is lower. Clear permitted branches one at a time with short applications. Run each faucet fully cold, then hot; include the shower, permitted toilet supply, exterior fixtures and manifold branches. Disconnect the compressor before changing valves. Flexible PEX does not protect faucets, filters, valves or appliance solenoids from trapped water or excess pressure.
4. Protect Traps and Appliances
Air does not clear sink or shower traps or the toilet bowl. Remove as much water as practical, then use only a product labeled for potable-water/RV/marine winterization, following its quantity and compatibility directions. Never use automotive antifreeze. Keep products from children and pets and follow label and local disposal rules.
Appliance pumps, sumps and closed solenoids can retain water. Follow each manual:
- Dishwasher: Shut off water and power; drain the inlet, hose, sump and pump as directed. Do not add antifreeze or run a cycle unless instructed.
- Washing machine: Unplug it, disconnect and drain both hoses, then follow instructions for its pump, filter and drain hose.
- Refrigerator/ice maker: Shut off water and follow the model procedure for its supply, valve, dispenser and filter housing.
- Filters, softeners and pumps: Drain, bypass or remove cartridges only as directed.
5. Final Check and Spring Reopening
Remove liquids, paint, cleaners, medicines, batteries and anything marked “protect from freezing.” Confirm water is off, inspect low points and appliances, photograph valve positions, and post: Winterized—do not energize the water heater until the system is full.
In spring, reinstall plugs and filters, close low-point drains and restore valve positions. Turn water on slowly, purge air and check for leaks. Fill an electric tank completely before powering it; restart a tankless heater per its manual. Flush winterizing product and dewinterize appliances separately. If a leak appears or gas equipment will not restart normally, stop and call a qualified technician.
Seasonal Closing Q&A
Can I leave bottled cleaning supplies in the home over winter?
Take cleaners home, especially products labeled “protect from freezing” or listing storage temperatures. If compatible products must remain, keep them upright in original containers in a chemical-resistant spill tray. A tray contains leaks; it does not prevent freezing or make incompatible products safe together. Separate bleach/chlorine from ammonia, acids, fuels, solvents and pool chemicals. Don’t seal mixed chemicals unless labels permit it.
Can liquids or food stay in the refrigerator or freezer?
An unplugged refrigerator is not safe food storage. Remove food, drinks and liquids; freezing can break containers, and thawed perishables may become unsafe. Food may remain in a powered freezer only if the model is approved for the building’s winter temperatures, stays at 0°F or below, and outages can be monitored. An unopened full freezer stays cold about 48 hours in an outage, less if partly full. Don’t leave valuable food without a backup plan.
What should I do with the refrigerator when closing for the season?
Follow the model manual. Usually empty it, switch off or unplug as directed, clean, dry and secure doors ajar to limit moisture, mold and odors. Prevent child or pet entrapment. Winterize the ice maker, dispenser, filter and water supply separately per manual. Turning it off eliminates operating electricity use; confirm cold-room suitability with the manufacturer.
How should I store a golf cart over winter?
Start with the cart, battery and charger manuals. Store it clean and dry in a sheltered, ventilated area; inflate tires to spec and use a breathable cover. Identify electric battery chemistry—flooded lead-acid, AGM or lithium—and follow its charging/storage instructions. Flooded batteries require electrolyte inspection; AGM batteries are not watered; lithium limits vary. Never use a generic automotive maintainer on a traction pack—use only a charger approved for its chemistry and pack voltage. For gas carts, follow the manual on fuel stabilization; STA-BIL Storage is one example, not an endorsement. Avoid flames and heaters; follow manual instructions for battery disconnect, fuel valve, parking controls and storage mode.
Need Help Getting the Property Ready?
For seasonal properties in ZIP 18424 and nearby Eagle Lake, Gouldsboro or Covington Township, call me for a free consultation or book with ABCO Guys. I handle exterior closing work, including exterior winterizing and site prep, drainage, cleanup, site readiness and park-model exterior work. Plumbing and gas service belongs to a qualified trade.