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Every October I start getting calls from homeowners scrambling to winterize after the first hard freeze. Don't wait until then. Here's the complete plumbing winterization checklist I use when preparing homes and cottages throughout Marathon County — use it to protect your home before Wausau winter arrives.
Disconnect and drain all garden hoses. Shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs using their interior shutoff valves. Drain irrigation systems completely. Inspect outdoor faucet covers (foam faucet insulators are worth the $3). Check that sump pump discharge lines are clear and not positioned where freezing is likely.
Test your main water shutoff valve — make sure it actually shuts off. Insulate pipes in unheated areas: crawl spaces, garages, exterior wall cavities. Check pipes near exterior doors (especially garage utility sinks). Look for cold drafts near pipes in cabinets against exterior walls.
Drain the tank to remove sediment (annual maintenance). Check the anode rod (every 3–5 years). Set the temperature to 120°F — high enough to prevent bacterial growth but not so high it wastes energy. Inspect the T&P relief valve discharge line is clear.
For seasonal cottages and lake properties: shut off the main water supply. Open all faucets to drain supply lines. Flush toilets and add plumber's antifreeze (not automotive) to toilet tanks and bowls. Add antifreeze to all P-traps. Remove water from hot water heater. Document the shutoff location and steps for spring de-winterization.
If you're not confident in any step — especially cottage winterization or pipes in hard-to-reach areas — call Genrich Plumbing at (715) 675-2000. A professional winterization call typically takes 2–3 hours and costs far less than one burst pipe repair.
61 years serving Wausau and Marathon County. Free estimates. Master Plumber on every job.
Start your winterization checklist in October — before the first sustained freeze. Seasonal cottages should be winterized as soon as you close them for the season, regardless of date.
For occupied primary homes, most of the checklist is DIY-friendly. For seasonal cottages, vacation homes, or any home with complex plumbing, professional winterization is recommended — especially the full drain-down of supply lines.
Use RV/marine antifreeze (propylene glycol) — not automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol). RV antifreeze is non-toxic and safe for plumbing P-traps. Never use automotive antifreeze in plumbing systems.
Bob answers personally. Expect a same-day callback Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM.
