Winterizing Lakeside Homes in Somers

Do you worry about your Somers lake house when the temperature drops and the wind kicks up off Flathead Lake? You’re not alone. Winter here means sub-freezing nights, heavy snow, and quick freeze-thaw swings that can stress plumbing, roofs, docks, and even access roads. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, local-first checklist tailored to lakeside properties on the north shore, plus a practical timeline and vendor plan so you can head into winter with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Why winterize on Flathead Lake

Somers sits on the north shore, where colder continental air meets lake-influenced microclimates. You can see sustained freezing, occasional sub-zero cold snaps, and wind that drives moisture against waterfront-facing walls. Add frequent freeze-thaw, and you have the recipe for frozen pipes, ice dams, and extra wear on docks and boathouses.

If you own a second home or travel often, preparation matters even more. The combination of cold, wind, and winter storms increases the risk of plumbing failures, roof issues, and power interruptions. A thoughtful plan protects your property and helps avoid urgent calls in January.

Quick-start checklist

• Shut off and drain vulnerable water lines, including exterior hose bibs and irrigation.
• Service the furnace or boiler and confirm thermostat settings and filters.
• Clean gutters and confirm drainage away from the foundation.
• Inspect the roof and address flashing, shingles, and ventilation concerns.
• Winterize docks, boats, and any boathouse utilities.
• Check septic maintenance and protect exterior components before freeze.
• Install or test remote sensors for temperature, leaks, and power.
• Line up a caretaker or property manager for winter checks and snow clearing.
• Document settings, take photos, and share access details with your local contacts.

Plumbing and water shutoffs

Water is your top winter risk. A burst line can cause thousands in damage before anyone notices.

Main shutoff and drain-down

• Locate and test your interior main shutoff. Clearly label it for guests and caretakers.
• For extended vacancies, many owners shut off the house water and drain interior lines. A plumber can handle a full winterization and blow-down suited to your system.

Exterior hose bibs and irrigation

• Isolate and drain all exterior hose bibs. If you have frost-free spigots, still remove hoses and confirm proper shutoff.
• Schedule a professional compressed-air blowout for in-ground irrigation. This is a common practice to protect valves and lines.

Well systems

• If you’re on a well, identify pump and pressure-tank procedures before you leave. A well contractor can winterize pumps and insulate any exposed above-ground piping.

Water heater

• Follow your manufacturer’s guidance for vacancy settings or draining. Many owners set to a low or vacation mode if heat remains on, while others drain the unit during full shut-downs.

Roofs, gutters, and ice dams

Freeze-thaw cycles near the lake can push water backward under shingles if your roof and attic aren’t tuned.

Gutters and drainage

• Clean gutters and downspouts so meltwater moves away from the house.
• Confirm positive drainage away from the foundation to reduce ice buildup along the perimeter.

Roof and attic

• Have a roofing professional check shingles, flashing, and penetrations.
• Improve attic insulation and air sealing to reduce warm-air leaks that contribute to ice dams.
• Assess ventilation so the roof stays cold and dries properly under winter loads.

Insulation and air sealing

Cold winds can pull heat from lakeside walls and crawlspaces. Sealing up now pays off all winter.

• Seal gaps around windows, doors, and utility penetrations to cut drafts.
• Insulate exposed interior pipes, especially near exterior walls and in crawlspaces.
• If you use heat tape on pipes, verify it’s installed and operating per manufacturer instructions.
• Review crawlspace or foundation insulation and vent settings suited to your home’s design.

HVAC, heating, and fuel

Your heating system works hardest when you’re away. A simple tune-up helps prevent mid-winter surprises.

• Schedule a fall service for your furnace or boiler, change filters, and test thermostats.
• For heat pumps, verify the defrost cycle and electrical components in the fall.
• Confirm fuel deliveries for propane or oil and understand your supplier’s automatic-delivery thresholds.
• Decide on your away temperature. Many owners choose a hold setting that reduces freeze risk; check what your contractor and insurer recommend.

Septic and wastewater

Cold and compaction can stress septic systems if you’re not careful.

• Inspect and pump tanks per recommended intervals. Handle this before freeze if due.
• Verify exterior access points are insulated or flagged so they’re easy to locate in snow.
• Avoid parking or heavy loads over the drainfield in winter and plan snow removal accordingly.

Docks, boathouses, and marine assets

Flathead Lake can shift ice and water levels through winter. Shoreline structures need a plan.

• Decide whether to remove seasonal docks or secure them for ice movement. Check with local marina or dock contractors early.
• Winterize shore power and any boathouse utilities. Drain and disconnect water lines in these structures.
• Store or secure boats and flotation devices per contractor guidance.

Grounds, trees, and driveway access

A clear, safe approach makes winter checks and deliveries easier.

• Trim trees and remove loose limbs that could fail under snow or wind.
• Mark driveway edges and any buried utilities before snow.
• Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and fuel tanks.
• Set a snow-removal plan that matches your home’s slope, exposure, and access needs.

Remote monitoring and caretakers

If you won’t be in Somers all winter, a smart monitoring setup plus local eyes on the property is a strong combination.

• Install sensors for temperature, humidity, and water leaks. Consider a smart main water shutoff.
• Add power outage alerts and integrate with smoke and CO alarms that report remotely.
• Choose cellular-based reporting if Wi-Fi is unreliable, or confirm a backup network.
• Engage a caretaker or property manager for periodic checks and emergency response.

Your vendor team

Professional help reduces risk and saves time, especially for second homes.

• Plumber or winterization specialist: Shutoffs, drain-downs, well and irrigation prep, hose-bib protection.
• HVAC contractor: Furnace or boiler tune-ups, heat pump service, thermostat checks.
• Insulation and air-sealing contractor or energy auditor: Attic insulation, envelope sealing, pipe insulation.
• Roofing and gutter contractor: Gutter cleaning, roof inspection, flashing repairs, snow-load assessments.
• Septic contractor: Inspection, pumping, and winter operation checks.
• Dock or marine contractor: Dock removal or securing, shore-power winterization, mooring prep.
• Electrician or smart-home integrator: Remote sensors, smart shutoff valves, backup power circuits.
• General contractor or handyman: Small repairs, window sealing, storm panels.
• Property manager or local caretaker: Regular winter checks, snow coordination, alarm response.
• Tree service and snow-removal vendor: Pre-winter trimming and plowing.

Somers winter timeline

Staying ahead of contractor schedules is key around Flathead Lake.

Early planning (May to August)

• Identify vendors and schedule baseline inspections for major systems and dock plans.
• Research and interview caretakers or property managers. Build your emergency contact list.

Pre-freeze (August to October)

• Book HVAC and roofing service for fall. These trades are busiest September through November.
• Schedule plumbers for exterior shutoffs, irrigation blowouts, and well checks.
• Arrange septic inspection or pumping if due.
• Confirm dock removal or securing with your marina or contractor.
• Order supplies like pipe insulation, heat tape, and smart sensors. Reserve an electrician if needed.

Final prep (October to November)

• Complete interior turn-down: shutoffs, drain-downs, and clearing perishables if the home will sit vacant.
• Test all remote alerts and finalize caretaker access, keys, and check cadence.
• Document equipment settings and take photos of shutoffs, dials, and fuel gauges.

Mid-winter (December to March)

• Have your caretaker perform scheduled checks and send updates.
• Monitor fuel levels and coordinate deliveries as needed.
• Keep your emergency contacts handy and pre-authorize urgent repairs up to a set budget.

Documentation and insurance

A paper trail helps everyone move faster during an event.

• Get written scopes with dates, deliverables, and fees for each vendor.
• Save before-and-after photos and invoices for your records.
• Confirm any permits for dock work or structural projects.
• Share an access protocol with caretakers and vendors, and set a pre-approved spend limit for emergencies.

Final touchpoints before you lock up

• Walk each room and check that shutoffs, sensors, and alarms show normal status.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks if you keep minimal heat on, which may help warm air reach pipes.
• Unplug nonessential appliances and confirm exterior doors, windows, and vents are sealed.
• Place a printed quick-reference sheet near the main entry with contact numbers and system notes.

Let a local pro help

You don’t have to choreograph winter prep on your own. If you’d like a second set of eyes on vendor planning or you’re considering improvements that add value before a future sale, connect with a local advisor who understands lakeside living in Somers. To talk winter readiness, resale strategy, or your next step in the Flathead Valley, reach out to Gina Ellis.

FAQs

What temperature should I set when my Somers home is vacant?

• Many owners choose a modest hold temperature to reduce freeze risk while conserving energy; confirm a setting with your HVAC contractor and insurer.

Should I shut off my main water before leaving for winter?

• For unattended homes, a common practice is to shut off the interior main and have a plumber drain lines; the exact plan depends on your system and preferences.

How is well winterization different from municipal water?

• Wells include pumps and pressure tanks that may need professional shutdown and insulation of exposed piping; consult a well contractor for specifics.

How should I handle docks on Flathead Lake in winter?

• Options include removal or securing docks for ice; the right approach depends on dock type and local contractor guidance, so schedule this well before freeze.

What remote monitoring is most useful for a second home?

• Temperature, humidity, water-leak sensors, smart water shutoff, and power-outage alerts are popular; choose cellular reporting if Wi-Fi is unreliable.

When should I book winterization vendors in Somers?

• HVAC, plumbing, and dock contractors book fast in the fall; plan 4 to 8 weeks ahead of your target service date for best availability.