Your Cottage & RV Plumbing Checklist for a Hassle-Free Summer

daltonjodrey
Jul 8
3 min read

Updated: Sep 2

Summer in Nova Scotia means lake days, weekend road trips, and time to unwind at the cottage or in your RV. But whether you're turning on the tap at the cabin or filling your freshwater tank, nothing derails your downtime like an unexpected cottage or RV plumbing issue. A little seasonal prep goes a long way in keeping things flowing smoothly.

Summer RV camping lakeside — keep your RV or cottage ready for relaxing, not repairing.

Whether you're lakeside in Lunenburg County or road-tripping across the province, a little prep goes a long way in avoiding unpleasant surprises. At Dalton Jodrey Plumbing & Heating, we’ve put together your ultimate summer checklist to keep everything flowing, flushing, and functioning while you soak up the sunshine.

1. Inspect for Winter Damage

Nova Scotia winters can be brutal on pipes, especially in unheated spaces like crawlspaces, basements, and RV undercarriages.

Before turning on the water, check the following:

Exposed pipes for cracks or leaks
Valves and connections for rust or wear
Water heaters and pumps for signs of damage

If your system was winterized, reopen it slowly and monitor closely for any leaks or pressure issues.

2. Flush and Sanitize Your Water Supply

After months of disuse, your water system may have stagnant water, sediment buildup, or bacterial growth.

At the cottage, run all taps for several minutes and consider shock chlorination for wells
In the RV, sanitize your freshwater tank and lines using an RV-safe product, then flush thoroughly before filling with clean water

This is one of the simplest ways to avoid unpleasant smells and poor water quality.

3. Pump or Inspect Your Septic System

Septic issues are the last thing you want to deal with on a weekend away. Here’s how to stay ahead of them:

Schedule pump-outs every three to five years, or more often with heavy use
Keep an eye out for slow drains, standing water, or unusual smells

We service all types of septic systems and are one of the few certified companies in Nova Scotia trained to maintain BioPro Systems. Learn more about our septic services.

4. Test Every Fixture

Run every tap, flush each toilet, and check all outdoor hookups. Watch for:

Leaks under sinks
Low water pressure
Gurgling or slow-draining fixtures

Finding and fixing these signs early can help you avoid bigger issues later in the summer.

5. Refresh Your Water Filters

If your cottage has UV, reverse osmosis, or sediment filters, they may need attention after a long winter.

Check the following:

UV bulb life and replacement dates
Expired or clogged filters
System warning lights or sediment buildup

We maintain most existing water filtration systems, even if we didn’t install them.

6. Pack a Plumbing Emergency Kit

It’s a good idea to have basic plumbing supplies on hand, especially if you're staying somewhere remote.

Your kit should include:

Teflon tape
Hose washers and clamps
Adjustable wrench
Plunger
Spare fittings or gaskets

Having these items nearby can save you time and stress in a pinch.

7. Practice Septic-Safe Habits

Keeping your septic system healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits go a long way.

Never flush wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products
Avoid pouring grease, food waste, or chemicals down the drain
Spread out water use, especially when hosting guests

These practices help your system work better and last longer.

Bonus Tip: Ask About Our Septic Reminder Program

Not sure when your tank was last pumped? When you book a pump-out with us, we’ll automatically add you to our septic reminder program. That way, you’ll get a friendly heads-up when it’s time for your next service. No need to keep track — we’ll do it for you.

Learn more about our septic pumping services.