Summer never seems to last long enough in Leamington. By mid-September, boat owners and campers are already starting to think about wrapping up another season and getting their equipment ready for the colder months ahead.
If a boat, RV or camper is on your fall to-do list, proper winterization is important. Along with general end-of-season maintenance, you’ll want to make sure plumbing systems are prepared for freezing temperatures.
Why Winterize Your Plumbing System?
Water can hide in more places than you might expect. Small amounts left in water lines, pumps, tanks, faucets and other fixtures can freeze as temperatures drop. Because water expands when it freezes, this can potentially cause cracks, leaks and damage to plumbing components.
That’s where plumbing antifreeze comes in.
Designed for winterizing compatible potable-water plumbing systems, plumbing antifreeze can help protect your seasonal equipment while it sits unused during the winter.
Common applications include:
- Boats and marine plumbing systems
- RVs and travel trailers
- Campers and motorhomes
- Seasonal cottages and cabins
- Other compatible recreational plumbing systems
Be sure you’re using plumbing/RV antifreeze, not automotive engine coolant, and always follow the winterization instructions for your specific boat, RV or equipment.
Putting the RV Away for the Season?
After a summer of road trips and camping weekends, September is a good time to start getting your RV or camper ready for storage.
Draining the freshwater system is an important part of the process, but water can remain in lines and fixtures. Depending on your RV, plumbing antifreeze may be used to protect these areas from freezing throughout the winter.
Check your owner’s manual for the proper procedure and give yourself plenty of time to get the job done before overnight temperatures start dipping below freezing.
Getting Your Boat Ready for Winter
Here in Leamington and along Lake Erie, fall also means the end of another boating season is approaching.
As you prepare your boat for haul-out or winter storage, don’t overlook its onboard plumbing. Freshwater lines, pumps, sinks, toilets and other plumbing components may need to be drained and winterized.
Your exact winterization process will depend on the type of boat and systems onboard, so always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
While you’re at it, fall is a good opportunity to tackle other maintenance, inspect your equipment and make a list of anything that should be repaired or replaced before next boating season.
Fall Specials at Pete’s Paint & Parts
Need plumbing antifreeze for your fall winterization? Stop by Pete’s Paint & Parts in Leamington and save on:
CARQUEST® PLUMBING ANTIFREEZE
3.78 L — Part # ANT 15-334
SALE PRICE: $5.97
Sale ends October 10, 2026.
Pick up what you need now and have your winterization supplies ready before the colder weather arrives.
Get Ready Before the Freeze
A little work this fall can help make storing your boat, RV or camper for the winter much easier — and help protect important plumbing components until it’s time to enjoy another season.
Visit our team at Pete’s Paint & Parts in Leamington for Carquest Plumbing Antifreeze and the parts, products and supplies you need for your fall maintenance and winterization projects.
Pete’s Paint & Parts
157 Talbot Street East
Leamington, ON N8H 1L8
519-322-2555
