Winterization Services to Protect Your Plumbing This Winter
Stay Ahead of Freezing Temps
Protect pipes, fixtures, and appliances before the first hard freeze. Advantage Plumbing, Inc.’s licensed, drug-free technicians provide complete winterization for homes, cottages, rentals, and light commercial properties across Berrien & Cass Counties. Call (269) 687-7192 or request service online. Advantage Plumbing
Why Winterization Matters in Southwest Michigan
Our winters bring repeated freeze–thaw cycles that can burst pipes, crack fixtures, and damage water heaters and well components. A professional winterization is far less expensive than emergency repairs and water damage mitigation.
Benefits:
- Prevents frozen/burst pipes and costly leaks
- Protects water heaters, filtration/softening equipment, and fixtures
- Avoids surprises when you return in spring
- Keeps vacant/seasonal properties safe while you’re away
What’s Included in Our Winterization Service
We tailor the process to your property’s layout and plumbing system. A typical winterization may include:
1. System Shut-Down & Drain-Down
- Locate and close the main water shutoff
- Open strategic faucets and low-point drains to evacuate supply lines
2. Compressed-Air Blowing of Lines
- Gently blow out water from copper/PEX lines, hose bibbs, outside spigots, and supply stubs
3. Water Heater Protection
- Gas/electric: power down safely and drain tank; bypass where appropriate
- Tankless: isolate, drain, and protect per manufacturer guidance
4. Trap & Fixture Protection
Add RV-grade antifreeze to P-traps, floor drains, toilets, and appliance drains
Remove/secure supply lines to washers, refrigerators, and dishwashers as needed
5. Valve & Backflow Care
- Exercise shutoff valves; protect backflow devices where applicable
6. Well, Pump & Sump Considerations
- Protect pressure tanks and lines; verify heat/monitoring plans for pump houses
- Check sump discharge to prevent freeze-backs
7. Documentation & Spring Start-Up Plan
- Tag shutoffs, breakers, and bypasses
- Provide a checklist for quick and safe de-winterization in spring
Have an irrigation system or unique fixtures? Tell us when you book—our technician will add the right steps for those components.
Ideal For
- Cottages & Vacation Homes (New Buffalo, Lakeside, Sawyer, etc.)
- Student or Short-Term Rentals
- Homes For Sale / Vacant Properties
- Light Commercial spaces closing seasonally
When to Schedule Winterization
Plan winterization before consistent nighttime lows near freezing (32°F) and certainly prior to the first hard freeze. If a cold snap is coming fast, call us—we have 24/7 availability for urgent needs. Advantage Plumbing
Add-On Options
- Smart leak sensors & shutoff devices
- Thermostat set/monitor check
- Exterior spigot covers & insulation upgrades
- Return-to-Service (De-Winterization) in spring
Pricing
Every property is different. We’ll give you upfront, no-surprise pricing after a quick assessment—often right over the phone with a few details. Our work is backed by some of the industry’s longest warranties. Advantage Plumbing
Service Area
We proudly serve Berrien & Cass Counties from our Niles location (2400 N 5th St., Niles, MI 49120)—including St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Bridgman, Buchanan, Cassopolis, Coloma, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, New Buffalo, Niles, Sawyer, Stevensville, Vandalia, Watervliet, and more. Don’t see your town? Call us! Advantage Plumbing
What To Do Before We Arrive
- Set heat to the agreed “safe” temperature or confirm full shut-down
- Clear access to the main shutoff, water heater, softener, and well equipment
- Share any special appliances (ice makers, on-demand heaters, filter systems)
FAQs
How long does winterization take?
Most residential jobs take 60–120 minutes, depending on size and complexity.
Will antifreeze make my water unsafe?
We use RV/Marine non-toxic antifreeze for traps and drains only. Supply lines are drained/air-blown, not filled with antifreeze.
Do you offer de-winterization?
Yes. We’ll restore water, purge air, relight heaters, test fixtures, and check for leaks. Book this when scheduling winterization so you’re first on our spring calendar.
What if a freeze is forecast this week?
Call (269) 687-7192 for priority scheduling and emergency availability.
