Preparing Your Plumbing Before Leaving for the Season

Leaving your mountain home for the season requires a methodical approach. A simple checklist helps ensure nothing is missed. Start with the main water shutoff—turn it off and verify that no fixtures drip after a few minutes. Drain the water heater: shut off gas or power first, then connect a hose to the drain valve and run it to a floor drain or outside. Open a hot faucet to allow air in and let the tank empty. For tankless units, follow the manufacturer’s bypass and drain procedure or have a professional winterize it. Drain all fixtures: open every faucet (hot and cold), flush toilets and hold the lever to empty tanks, run the dishwasher and washing machine through a short cycle to clear lines, and drain the ice maker if you have one.

Add antifreeze to toilet bowls and P-traps—sinks, showers, floor drains—to prevent remaining water from freezing and cracking the traps. If you have a well, consider having the pump and pressure tank winterized. Set your thermostat to a minimum temperature (often 55°F) if you’re leaving heat on, or ensure the system is fully off and drained if you’re doing a complete shutdown. Finally, set up remote monitoring: a smart leak shutoff, temperature sensors, or a security system that alerts you to anomalies. Leave contact information for a local plumber and property manager if you use one. When you return, you’ll have peace of mind that your home was left in good hands—including your own.