Cottage Closing + Opening
Getting your cottage ready for the season – or closing it up for winter – is an important part of protecting your investment on the Bruce Peninsula. At Peninsula Plumbing, we specialize in professional cottage opening and closing (winterization) services for Sauble Beach, Oliphant, South Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bluffs, Red Bay, Tobermory, and surrounding areas. From shutting down water systems safely in the fall to getting everything running smoothly again in the spring, our team of experienced local plumbers makes the process stress-free, so you can spend more time enjoying cottage life and less time worrying about leaks, frozen pipes, or unexpected repairs.
At Peninsula Plumbing, we take pride in helping you protect your cottage through every season. Please take a moment to review the following terms before booking your service:
Seasonal Considerations
We ensure your plumbing is fully drained and winterized to protect against freezing. However, we cannot be held responsible for damage caused by freezes prior to your scheduled closing, or by freezes after your scheduled opening.
Ontario fall weather can be unpredictable, with freezing temperatures possible as early as October. In the event of an early freeze, Peninsula Plumbing will make every effort to close as many cottages as possible. Priority will be given to pre-scheduled appointments and properties most at risk.
Spring weather can also be unpredictable. Temperatures can drop suddenly, even into May. If your cottage remains unoccupied after opening, there is a risk of pipes freezing and potential damage to your plumbing system.
By booking your cottage opening and/or closing, you acknowledge and accept these risks. We encourage you to plan your opening and/or closing date with seasonal weather patterns in mind, and taking precautions if the cottage will be left unheated or unattended.
Authorization for Work
By submitting the intake form, you confirm that you are authorized to approve plumbing work for the property and you accept responsibility for the invoice.
Water being off for extended periods can take a toll on plumbing systems. Rubber seals can dry out and crack, shifting structures can cause pipe leaks, and pumps or motors may struggle to start or even seize. We will address minor repairs as part of your opening, but if larger repairs are needed, we will contact you to discuss options before proceeding.
If the repair is significant and prevents us from turning on your water, and we cannot reach you in a timely manner, we may make the decision to proceed with the repair to ensure your cottage is ready for your visit.
Service Scheduling
Completing the online intake form does not guarantee service. All bookings will be confirmed by email, including an estimated work date.
Property Access
Access must be provided via key, lockbox code, or other clear instructions. Hidden key location must be well described.
Electronic locks must be fully charged and operational.
Our team will make every effort to contact you (by call, text, or email) if access is an issue. If no response is received within 20 minutes and the property remains inaccessible, a minimum call-out fee of $105 will apply.
Pumps & Water Heaters
For every cottage closing, the pump and water heater will be turned off at the breaker, regardless of whether power is left on or off.
For every cottage opening we will turn these systems on to test them, and then turn the breaker off when we leave.
When you return in the spring, you will need to switch these systems back on after your cottage has been opened.
Power & Appliances
Power will only be shut off by request and only if the fridge/freezer is empty.
Cottage owners are responsible for removing all full water bottles, canisters, or jugs from the property. These can freeze, expand, and cause damage.
Billing & Payment
Services are billed based on time and materials. A minimum charge of $210 shall be charged for each cottage opening or closing. The hourly labour rate is $105 per hour, plus the cost of materials used. Invoices will be issued within 14 days of service and are due upon receipt. A late fee of 2% per month (18% annually) will be applied to overdue balances after 30 days. Invoices will be sent to the email address on file. Accepted payment methods: eTransfer: peninsula.plumbing@yahoo.ca | Credit card (by phone/in-person) | Cheque or cash (in-person)
Customer Responsibilities – Cottage Closing
Provide access to the property and cottage(s)
Empty fridge and freezer, if applicable (power will not be turned off if there is anything in the fridge or freezer)
Ensure the mechanical rooms are clean with clear access to water heater, electrical panel, etc
Remove all hoses from outside faucets
Once cottage is closed: Do NOT turn power on to water heater or pump. Contact Peninsula Plumbing immediately if breaker was turned on.
Customer Responsibilities – Cottage Opening
Provide access to the property and cottage(s)
Ensure the mechanical rooms are clean with clear access to water heater, electrical panel, etc
Do NOT turn power on to water heater or pump. Leave tamper proof sticker on the breakers if visiting the property between closing and opening.
After cottage is opened: Turn power on to the pump and water after the scheduled opening. (Tamper-proof sticker will be removed by Peninsula Plumbing)
Inspect mechanical room, under counters and around all plumbing fixtures for water.
Notify Peninsula Plumbing as soon as possible if there are any issues upon your first visit to the cottage
Legal Disclaimer
Save and except for instances where 2606349 Ontario Ltd., o/a Peninsula Plumbing (hereinafter “Peninsula Plumbing”), solely, has both winterized the plumbing fixtures, appurtenances, or systems for the dwelling, and no further individual, person, or entity has performed any work on the plumbing fixtures, appurtenances, or systems of the dwelling post-winterization, and Peninsula Plumbing has been engaged to open the dwelling post-winterization, then neither Peninsula Plumbing nor its employees, agents, or assigns shall be liable to you, the home owner or occupier, for any special, incidental, or consequential damages (including without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use, loss of profits, interruption or loss of business, lost goodwill, lost revenue and lost opportunity) arising directly or indirectly from any breach of this Agreement, fundamental or otherwise or from any taurus actos or omissions of their respective employees or agents out of the opening of the dwelling from its winter closing or with respect to its performance hereunder. The foregoing limitation of liability and exclusion of damages applies even if a Party had or should have had knowledge, actual or constructive, or the possibility of such damages. The foregoing limitation of liability and exclusion of damages shall apply whether a claim is based on breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort (including negligence), product liability, strict liability or otherwise, and notwithstanding any failure of essential purpose of any limited remedy herein.
With respect to all other instances, in no other event shall the liability of Peninsula Plumbing exceed the value of this Agreement.
Plain English:
If Peninsula Plumbing is the only company that: 1. Winterized your cottage plumbing in the fall, and 2. No one else worked on the plumbing over the winter, and 2. We are hired again to open the cottage in the spring, Then our responsibility is limited to the plumbing work we performed. We are not responsible for any extra or indirect damages such as property damage, rental loss, or business interruption. If anyone else works on your plumbing between the closing and opening, or if we are only hired for part of the process, our liability is limited to the cost of the service provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit my cottage during the winter?
Yes, you can visit during the winter. Please enjoy your property to its fullest, but the water is off and cannot be used or turned on during the winter.
If I don’t turn on the water, can I use the toilet or drains if I use the cottage in the winter?
If any water is poured down the drains, or the toilet is used, new glycol will need to be poured into the traps at the end of your stay.
Why is there a sticker on my pump and water heater breaker?
We install a sticker on the pump and water heater breaker to remind you not to turn them on accidentally between our visits. Turning them on can fill the system with water, burn out the water heater, and/or burn out the pump. Peninsula Plumbing will remove the sticker when we open the cottage.
I accidentally turned on my pump and/or water heater. What should I do?
If power to the pump and/or water heater is turned on between closing and opening your cottage, call Peninsula Plumbing immediately. A new winterization may be required if water entered the plumbing system.
Should I be present during the opening or closing?
We ask that you are not present at the property during the opening and closing. Opening and closing a cottage involves many steps that need to happen in a certain order. We prefer to work without distractions to avoid missing steps and to ensure the job is done properly. This also allows us to work efficiently and accomplish the task in a timely manner.
How late or early can I open my cottage?
This depends on the cottage and the style of build. If your plumbing is external or your building is on pillars, you are at the highest risk of freezing and need to avoid all temperatures below 0. Block foundations offer some degree of protection from the elements and can handle some lower temperatures for longer. If your crawl space is insulated and heated, you’re safe from any freezing as long as the heat source is working.