For many cottage owners, Thanksgiving often signals the official end of the cottage season. In an effort to make the task of closing up as easy as possible, here are some tips on how to help avoid unnecessary expense, frustration and problems with the water that you, your family, and your community rely upon.
Keep this list of things you do, to close up the cottage, so that reversing the list in the spring will be as snag-free as possible.
Plumbing:
• Shut off the main water supply.
• Bring in the water lines from the lake and blow them out or drain them dry.
• Clean all the fittings and pump parts.
• Drain all the appliances in the cottage that use water: hot water heater; toilet tank; and pumps built into your washing machine and dishwasher.
• Add RV antifreeze to all traps in toilets, sinks and shower lines.
• Check your septic tank but avoid pumping just before closing the cottage. The volume of water and bacteria are usually enough to prevent freezing.
Hazardous waste:
• Check your municipality’s website for hazardous waste collection days which often go late into autumn for cottagers.
• Gather up all of the half-empty and thickened old cans of paint, preservative and other chemicals and make take them to the municipal hazardous waste disposal site.
Outside:
• September and October are good months to plant trees, shrubs and perennials for strong growth early next spring.
• Store canoes and boats away from the shoreline. Otherwise, it kills natural vegetation where it is needed most.
Planning Ahead:
• Get an early start on plans for shoreline work; permits and finding suppliers can take time.
• Consider joining your lake association. It will keep you informed on everything from water quality to fire routes to cottage election issues
Content courtesy of Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
