Here's a checklist that we use for closing the cottage in the fall. In the spring we just open the propane tank valve, replace the bleeder valves, close the hot water tank valve, turn on the water (cross fingers here
), turn on the main breaker and wait for the hot water tank to fill before turning on the breaker to the water heater. Much of this information was gleaned from suggestions by members of this forum.
Cottage Closing Checklist
1. Turn off breaker to Hot Water heater.
2. Place tape over the breaker switch (Visible notice to fill the water tank next spring before turning on the hot water breaker).
3. Unplug refrigerator and prop doors open. Remove crisper and ice cube trays.
4. Shut off water supply outside and return key to closet.
5. Open water taps.
6. Attach air compressor to hose bib and turn on at 50 psi.
7. Stop compressor, close cold water taps
8. Drain Hot Water tank, turn compressor back on to help drain tank.
9. Open all pipe bleeder valves.
10. Flush toilet - sponge out tank and most of water in bowl.
11. Antifreeze (2 cups) in shower drain.
12. Antifreeze in bathroom sink drain.
13. Antifreeze in toilet bowl to about normal level.
14. Antifreeze in the toilet tank to protect float valve.
15. Antifreeze in washing machine and pump to get it in the trap.
16. Antifreeze in dishwasher and pump to get it in the trap.
17. Turn off dishwasher cold water valve under sink.
18. Antifreeze in sink drains.
19. Remove batteries from clocks.
20. Turn off heat at thermostat and breaker.
21. Windows closed and locked.
22. Refrigerator off and open.
23. All liquids going home.
24. Lock front door.
25. Check crawl space door and cover A/C compressor with tarp.
26. Close propane tank valve.