Turn off the power in the hot water tank to protect the heating elements from trying to warm water that is no longer there.

Ideally, all the supply pipes will drain to one point, and the water supply lines will gradually slope down to a single set of drain valves. If your cottage is set up differently, you may have to crawl under the cottage to find out where all the pipes go and where the valves are located.

Leave all valves and the taps open over the winter so that any remaining water can drain out.

If you think there may still be water in the line from improper drainage or sagging pipes, blow any excess water back through the open taps.

If the pressure tank is located somewhere other than below your cottage, make sure the line to the cottage is also drained. The pressure tank relies on a rubber diaphragm to create and hold the pressure to push water through the plumbing lines. If water is left inside the holding tank, it will freeze and possibly destroy this rubber diaphragm, making the tank useless.

Drain the water between the pump and the pressure or gravity tank. The priming plug should also be removed and stored in a safe place. Add antifreeze until colour is evident at drain points. Make sure all branch pipes are treated. Disconnect the waterline to the pump and pull it onto the shore. Disconnect the foot valve and store it in a secure place to prevent any damage.

A drain valve installed on the waterline just above the lake’s high-water level will let you drain the line from the cottage to where the pipe enters the water, decreasing the chances of freezing and cracking over the winter.

Flush the toilet to get as much of the water out of the tank and bowl as possible. Some water will be left at the bottom that should be removed with a small cup or a sponge. For seasonal homes and cottages, also add 1 L (35.2 fl oz) to each toilet bowl and toilet tank and 250 mL (8.8 fl oz) to all sinks and tub traps. For optimal performance, change the product in water system and plumbing system every year. Make sure the bottom rubber flapper in the toilet tank is tied in the up position to prevent it from sitting in the plumbing antifreeze.

Pour 1 litre down the shower-stall drains. The traps under the drains hold water that prevents sewer gas from coming up through the drains. If left unprotected, the pooled water in the traps may freeze and crack the traps.