Guides for homeowners

How to Winterize a Lake House in Indiana and Michigan

Lake homes are exposed to harder winters than most in-town houses: wind off the water, long stretches unoccupied and, in many cases, seasonal water systems. Start early, since contractors for dock removal and plumbing winterization fill their calendars in the fall.

Decide your approach first

• Fully drained (no heat): the water system is shut off and drained, and antifreeze goes in the traps. Lowest risk of burst pipes, but it needs a plumber or experienced hands.
• Heated and monitored (minimum heat): the water stays on and the heat is kept at a safe minimum (many people use roughly 55°F). Easier to open up, but it depends on the heat and power staying on, so monitoring matters.

If you will be away for weeks at a stretch in winter, fully draining is the safer choice. If you visit often, heated and monitored can work.

Plumbing

• Shut off the main water supply and open faucets to drain the lines (fully drained approach).
• Drain the water heater and any pressure tanks, and turn off power or gas to the heater.
• Pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into every drain trap, toilets (tank and bowl) and the dishwasher and washer, per manufacturer guidance.
• Have a plumber blow out the lines if you have a seasonal or well-fed system.
• Drain and disconnect hoses, outdoor showers and exterior spigots.

Heat, power and safety

• Set the thermostat to a safe minimum if you are staying heated, and consider a smart thermostat with alerts.
• Install temperature and water-leak sensors that text or email you.
• Leave the sump pump powered and tested if the home has one, and consider a battery backup.
• Unplug nonessential electronics and appliances. Empty and prop open the refrigerator if it will be off.
• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
• Confirm the propane tank level and supplier schedule, if applicable.

Dock, boat and waterfront

• Pull the dock and lift according to local rules and your association's schedule.
• Winterize and store the boat, jet skis and engines, or schedule storage.
• Bring in loose furniture, cushions and kayaks, and secure what stays outside.
• Check shoreline and seawall condition so you know what to address in spring.

Security and the exterior

• Remove valuables, or lock them up. Take photos of the interior for your records.
• Trim branches near the roof and clear gutters.
• Close and secure windows and doors, check the garage and shed, and consider cameras.
• Arrange plowing and snow removal if access matters.
• Tell a neighbor or your insurer, since many policies have vacancy conditions. Check yours.

Plan the checks

Even a well-winterized house needs eyes on it. A typical rhythm is a visit every one to two weeks in deep winter and after any major storm or power outage. Each visit should check temperature, look for leaks, confirm power, inspect doors, windows and the roof line, and end with a written report to you.

Where ABODE fits

ABODE's Home Watch covers the visits and reports, and as your concierge we coordinate the plumber, dock crew and boat storage so you make one call instead of several. We serve Indiana lake communities and Michigan homes, including the Wawasee, Michiana and Northern Michigan areas.