It's Time To Winterize Your Big Bear Cabin.

With temperatures dropping into the low 20's in Big Bear, it's time to think about winterizing.  When you live down the hill, you don't think about having to winterize your home.  But when you live in the mountains such as Big Bear, the last thing you want is to arrive at your cabin on a friday night and find it flooded from broken water pipes. 

You will hear people tell you that all they do is leave the heat on all winter long.  They tell you that they don't bother turning the water off.  What happens if it's 10 degrees outside and the wall heater stops working?  Is it worth the risk of broken pipes and a flooded home? 

When Do I Winterize?

I tell my clients to winterize the cabin any time you are going to be gone over night starting October 1 and continuing until the following April. 

How Do I Winterize my Big Bear Cabin?

If you follow these basic steps of winterizing, you will be sure to have a worry free time when you arrive in Big Bear to enjoy your week end get a way.  

1. Shut off the water to the cabin by closing the stop and waste valve.
2. Open the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom sinks to vent the water lines.
3. Pour a half a cup of marine antifreeze down all drains
4. As you flush the toilets, hold the handle down in an effort to drain as much water as possible
5. Pour marine anti freeze in the tank and toilet bowl to prevent freezing.
6. Turn down the thermostat on the water heater to "Vacation"

What could happen if I don't winterize my cabin?

The biggest problemthat you're going to have if you don't winterize your cabin in Big Bear is that you stand the chance broken water lines.  Along with the broken water lines, comes the inevitable flooding and water damage to everything that the water touches.  If things are not handled properly after a flood, you could end up with mold problems as well.  All of this because you didn't turn the water off and winterize your home!

If you have recently bought a cabin in the Big Bear area and you have questions about how to winterize, give me a call or send me an e-mail. I am happy to help out.  You can reach me at 909 866 3481 or you can email me at tony@tonycard.com