It was a long one with lots of frigid temperatures and wind chills, punctuated by record snowfall levels. Roofs collapsed, eavestroughs fell off, sight-lines were nonexistent, and many roads were reduced to one lane.
Heavy spring rainfall did away with a lot of the snow, but in the process, it caused high water levels and flooding. With the frozen ground unable to absorb any water, basements leaked. Then, the weather reversed course, adding more snow, ice, and high winds.
With any luck, the rest of the snow will go in a slow melt, and there will be no repeat of the Ice Storm of ‘25. When spring arrives, it will bring the usual unknowns when it comes to opening the cottage.
How does the winter weather impact plumbing for the spring start-up?
Damage to the exterior may affect plumbing. Check for fallen limbs. Also, check the roof for damage to shingles and vents. With cottages on piers, have a look underneath for split pipes. Has anything shifted or been dislodged?
The low water levels of last fall may have created problems by exposing plumbing pipes from lakes and rivers or other water courses. Exposed pipes because of lower water levels leave the pipes open to freezing temperatures, especially if heat cables do not extend far enough to protect the lines.
In the early spring, with water run-off on the way, check that the sump pump is ready to go. Lift the float and make sure it works. Pour some water in slowly to see if the pump comes on automatically.
If you have a battery backup pump system, check the charge, the light indicator, and the alarm. The battery may need to be replaced, even though it may be on a trickle charger
Was any plumbing forgotten in the close-up?
Spring will tell the tale, revealing anything that may have been forgotten from the fall or during any trips to the cottage throughout the winter months.
Prime the pump and check all the water lines, taps, and shower heads for leaks. Once the water has filled the lines and the hot water tank is full with water coming out of the hot water faucet to bleed it through, then turn it on to ensure the heater is working properly.
For those with a filter system, replace the filters and have the water tested for E. coli and bacteria to make sure the UV light is working properly.
Once everything is fine on the incoming water side, check the outgoing wastewater system. If it isn’t gravity-fed, the septic pump will need to be turned on and tested, if applicable. If the motor runs but can’t move the wastewater, there’s an issue with the pump. It’s also possible that the line to the septic tank is frozen.
Once it’s operational and the frost is out of the ground, don’t forget to have the septic system professionally pumped out, if needed, so that you’re ready to go to entertain friends and family this summer.
Spring may also reveal issues for year-round residences that may have forgotten to drain their outside taps and left their garden hoses on the outside tap during the winter. If the corresponding interior tap wasn’t turned off, the waterline may split between the inside shutoff and the outside tap, especially on a frost-free hose bib/tap.
Lessons learned over the winter may mean changes such as adding a window well to help with drainage, or repairing cracks in the concrete foundation and/or replacing old caulking on basement windows. In case of hydro outages, it may be time to install a battery backup for the sump pump and/or purchase a generator.
Call Plumbtech Plumbing at 705-722-7209 for all your cottage water needs.
Plumbtech takes care of a lot of cottage openings for owners each spring, turning on the water and fixing any plumbing issues so it is ready to go for another season.
The Barrie-based business serves Simcoe County, Muskoka, and Parry Sound areas. There is an emergency service available too.
