Closing Up for the Season? Don't Leave Your Well Out in the Cold!

From the WellCare Network

Is your home or cabin vacant for the winter? Before you close the door and head out, make sure your well and plumbing are properly winterized. Your future self will thank you in the spring!

Depending on your system, winterizing may include:

• Shutting off the home's main water supply.

• Turning off the well pump at the breaker.

• Draining water from the plumbing system by opening faucets.

• Draining the water heater and treatment equipment, if applicable.

• Draining outdoor faucets and exposed water lines.

• Protecting plumbing traps with non-toxic propylene glycol RV antifreeze. Never use automotive antifreeze.

• If you have an above-ground jet pump, following the manufacturer's instructions for draining and protecting the pump.

 Tip: Leave signs on faucets, toilets, and equipment switches to remind anyone who enters the home that the water system has been winterized.

Your winterization steps will depend on your well system, plumbing, equipment, and climate. When in doubt, call a professional.

 STAYING HOME? PREVENT A FREEZE

Even if you're home all winter, exposed pipes and above-ground well equipment can freeze.

Before the temperature drops:

• Insulate exposed pipes and vulnerable portions of the well casing.

• Keep above-ground pumps and pressure tanks protected from freezing temperatures with a properly insulated enclosure or other suitable protection.

• Drain outdoor faucets after shutting off their interior supply.

• During extreme cold, allowing a faucet to drip slightly can help keep water moving.

• Protect your wellhead from snowplows and other equipment by clearly marking its location with a fiberglass driveway marker.

• Talk with your well contractor about additional freeze-protection options, such as installing a pitless adapter if your well does not already have one.

 WHAT IF YOUR SYSTEM FREEZES?

If you suddenly lose water or pressure during a freeze, call a licensed well contractor or plumber first. A loss of water isn't always caused by freezing, and a professional can determine what's happening.

If professional help isn't immediately available:

• Never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes or equipment.

• For a frozen pipe, gentle heat from an electric heating pad or hair dryer may help thaw the area safely. Keep portable heaters away from flammable materials.

• If you suspect the well system itself has frozen, turn off the pump's electrical breaker and contact a professional.

• Watch carefully for leaks or burst pipes as the system thaws.

• If you have a burst pipe or damaged well equipment, have it repaired by a professional before returning the system to normal operation.

 Watch for the warning signs

A sudden drop in water pressure or flow can be an early sign of freezing. Don't ignore it!

 WANT MORE WINTERIZING TIPS?

We've got you covered!

 Winterizing Your Well

 Protecting Your Pipes & Well System From Freezing

Need help? Contact your licensed well contractor, plumber, or the wellcare® Hotline at 888-395-1033. Source: 2026 Fall wellcare® Hotline Newsletter

Prepare before the freeze. Protect your well all winter long!