winterizing a cabin

[franz fripplfrappl]

I have a cabin (20x24) with a full wood foundation basement in central Wisconsin. There's no heating system this winter and I need to winterize. I will drain pipes and toilet, pressure tank and water heater, the last of which is in the basement, and put insulation around pipes where well comes into building.

Will winter actually freeze things in the basement? Average frost depth is about 3 ft or so. I'm wondering if I should remove all canned goods, liquids, etc, or if I could get by putting them on the floor with perhaps insulation over.

Advice?

[Speedy Jim]

Pour RV antifreeze into all sink traps. Pour it into the toilet bowl too.

3 foot frost depth? Is the well pipe(s) above that depth? I would be wary of leaving water in them. Is this submersible pump? Insulating them will do nothing.

If you have appliances, such as dishwasher/washing machine, the pumps on them must be protected as well as the supply lines and control sol valves.

[Joe]

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Take everything home that has a liquid water content, foods, latex paint, insect sprays, the whole gamut. Even yard sprayer nozzles will freeze and break. Insulation can't stop Mother Nature. Your frost line actually approaches 4' IIRC. If the cabin has a previous history of winter survival, those freeze preventative measures will work. If you are starting from scratch, there will be unexpected surprises. Best to find a way to empty the well pipes if you can since that otherwise would be an expensive repair. Whatever, good luck and may Global Warming be on your side.

Joe