Here is what you need to know and do.
The Winterizing Ritual: To prevent freezing water from cracking and rupturing pipes, camps must shut off the water supply, open all taps, flush toilets, and drain water heaters before closing for the season.
The Reopening Routine: When reopening, reverse the process by turning water back on, checking for leaks, and ensuring vent stacks are clear of leaves and debris.
The Overlooked Threat (Sewer Odors): A major post-winter issue is sewer gases entering buildings. This happens when the water in U-traps (the curved pipe under drains) evaporates over months of disuse, breaking the barrier that blocks gases.
Health Risks: Sewer gas is a health hazard, containing bacteria and compounds that can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues, particularly in children and seniors.
What NOT to Do: Avoid pouring harsh chemicals like bleach down the drain (which creates toxic fumes) or trying to mask the scent with air fresheners.
The Solution: Pouring water down the drain provides temporary relief, but using a biodegradable liquid trap primer (like EverPrime®) during fall winterization slows evaporation and prevents dried-out traps all winter long.
