How to Winterize Plumbing for a Tahoe Second Home | Brimer Plumbing Blog

Winterizing your Tahoe second home isn’t optional—it’s essential. When temperatures drop and the house sits empty for weeks, standing water in pipes can freeze in hours. A single burst pipe can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage before anyone notices. The process starts with shutting off the main water supply, then systematically draining every fixture: open all faucets (hot and cold), flush toilets to empty tanks and bowls, drain the water heater, and blow out or drain irrigation lines. Don’t forget the dishwasher, washing machine, and ice maker—any appliance with water lines can become a failure point.

Beyond draining, protect what remains. Add antifreeze to toilet bowls and traps, or use RV antifreeze in sink and shower drains to prevent the P-traps from freezing and cracking. Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. If you have a well, consider having a professional winterize the pump and pressure tank. Finally, set up remote monitoring—a smart leak shutoff system or even a simple temperature sensor can alert you if something goes wrong before you return. Skipping winterization to save an hour of effort is a gamble most mountain homeowners learn to avoid the hard way.

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