Spring Opening Services
for Cottages
Spring is an exciting time for seasonal cottage owners. It’s time to open the cottage and spend time with friends and family. It can also be stressful, particularly starting the plumbing again. The start-up will reveal any errors that were made during the close-up, as well as unexpected issues such as split plumbing lines and failing pumps.
If family or friends have used the cottage over the winter and forgotten to winterize whatever was used, it will come to light now. That’s why many busy people turn to Plumbtech Plumbing to start the water and prepare the whole system for use. All of the plumbing is ready to go, and it’s time to enjoy the cottage.
Older adults also hire Plumbtech to help alleviate the amount of work in opening the cottage each year. They’ve arrived at the point where they’ve done it enough times and prefer to have Plumbtech handle the plumbing. That way, they can start enjoying it right away. Plumbtech serves the plumbing needs of cottagers from Simcoe County to Muskoka and Parry Sound areas.
New Cottage Owners
New cottagers will be facing the plumbing start-up for the first time. While some will have requested a run-through of what to do with the water system from the previous owner at the time of sale, it may be forgotten when it comes to flying solo.
Three Season Cottagers
Seasonal cottage owners are well aware that spring can bring a multitude of problems depending on the severity of the winter and the number of thaw-freeze cycles, which can create havoc on plumbing lines, pumps, and water heaters.
Year Round Cottagers
Using the cottage throughout the winter season requires a variety of different setups. Some bring drinking water and take water from the lake for everything else. Some chop through the ice to get water, while others fill plastic pails or containers to freeze and thaw as needed. Be aware that ice expands, and plastic containers can leak and split. Septic systems will not be useable once winterized because the drains will freeze. Many cottagers will use a portable toilet or an outhouse for visits to the cottage.
For a cottage to be fully winterized, it will require insulation from top to bottom, including crawl space and a plan for how to handle wastewater and septic systems. All plumbing lines will need to be heated to prevent freezing.
Heat will also need to be left on in the cottage over the winter months, which can become very expensive. If the hydro goes out, freezing may still occur depending on the length of time it is out.
Cottagers with systems that can be turned on and off for occasional visits need to remember to turn everything off and re-winterize every time, or there will be problems in the spring when it’s time to turn the water on again.
Worry-Free Start-Up
Plumbtech’s plumbers will unlock the cottage, start the water, and lock up again, leaving the system ready for use. If any issues have occurred over the winter, they will be repaired or replaced.
Starting the Water
Bringing the water into the pump and pressurizing the system is a process that begins at the foot valve and continues throughout the cottage. The wastewater system is connected but separate.
Turning on the Power
When turning the hydro on for the first time, make sure the breaker and any switches to the pump remain off until it’s time to prime the pump, fill it with water, and ensure it will hold pressure. The hot water tank breaker also needs to stay off until there is water in it. If it is turned on without water, the heater element could burn out and need to be replaced.
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Wastewater Systems
For cottages that have a sewage pump, turn on the power and test it. Pump the contents from the small tank to the large buried septic tank to make sure the pump works. Do this before turning on the water and using the drains. Underground pipes that haven’t been drained in the fall could still be frozen in the ground. If this occurs, the sewage pump won’t be able to pump anything until it thaws.
Intake Line
Cottagers that removed the line for winter can put it back in the water again. If there is a drain tap inserted into the line at the shore, it will need to be closed to bring water to the pump. If this tap is used to pump water into the line, leave it open until the pump is primed. Then close it quickly to prevent the line from draining again.
Taps & Levers
Close all the taps and levers. These will be opened gradually once the water pump is at pressure.
The Water Intake Pump
Insert the plug and tighten it. Turn the pump on to start the water. Once the pump is primed, make sure it holds pressure. Check to see if the water is running clear before bringing it through the rest of the cottage.
Release Air
Turn the first tap on to release the air and bring the water to the next stage. Run the water until it is clear. Check for any leaks or other issues at each stage.
The Toilet
Hot Water Tank
Once the pump is holding its prime, bring the water through the hot water system, opening taps to release air. Run the water until it clears. Turn the breaker on to make sure the heater element is working.
Removing Sediment
Sediment may collect in the faucet and shower heads. After the water is running clear, remove sediment from the taps and shower head and reattach.
Filter Systems
Insert new filters and make sure the UV light works. Some may wish to have the water tested to ascertain if there are bacteria such as coliform or e coli.
Leaks
Look for water pooling on the floor at the hot water tank and toilet or in sink cabinets. Taps and showerheads can also leak. If the line is hidden in the wall, it will make a hissing or dripping sound. The water pump will turn on frequently.
Beyond Plumbing
While the water system is one of the biggest aspects of opening a cottage in the spring, there is always more to do. Check for evidence of unwanted visitors that have moved in over the fall and winter. Ready boats and docks for summer use. Restock supplies for the cupboard and refrigerator.
