Winterizing a Lake Erie Cottage

Water first. Shut off the supply, drain the system, blow out the lines, drain the water heater and pressure tank, empty traps and add antifreeze where appropriate, and deal with the pump and any lake line. Most winter claims on this shoreline start with water that was left somewhere it shouldn't be.

Then decide on heat. Leaving low heat on protects the structure and finishes but means a furnace failure is a real risk — and that argues for more frequent checks. Going fully cold and dry removes that risk but is harder on the building and requires a proper de-winterization in spring.

Exterior: clear eaves and downspouts, stow or secure furniture and docks, check shingles and flashing before the wind season rather than after, trim what could come down on the roof, and confirm every window and door seals.

Security and follow-up: lock everything, remove valuables, leave a key and contact with someone local, and schedule off-season checks. A closed cottage that nobody visits until May is an unmonitored building for seven months.