(Revised April 2023, by Sheila)

This procedure is to be followed when the water to the cabin has been “shut off;” such as, over the winter when the cabin is vacant.

1. Ensure that the main water valve under the cabin is CLOSED. (Red knob closest to the REAR of the cabin on the main water line in the storage room. This valve was originally left open at the termination of the cabin draining procedure, however,  as of March 2023, the protocol was changed such that the valve was to be closed 1 to 2 weeks after draining the cabin, simply as a precautionary measure, in case the underground water valve were to fail.)
   
   
2. Shut off all the taps in the cabin (kitchen, bath and half bath), in the storage (2 taps to washer and 2 overhead taps just inside the storage area that would have had hoses attached to them for drainage during the closing procedures), and under the walkway (where hoses are attached during the summer).
   
   
3. Also close the 2 weepholes (small screws that were loosened to allow full drainage when the cabin was drained) on the hot and cold water lines that lead to the kitchen (in the storage area).
   There is also a third weephole on the main water line for the line leading out to the taps under the walkway. This one needs to be closed, as well.
   
   
4. The access to the underground water shut-off valve is outside, behind the third bedroom. It is covered with a pail for protection. The top disk on the stack can be unscrewed to give you access to the stem that reaches down to the valve. Insert the neon yellow “water key” (new in 2022), that is stored in the boathouse to the right of the workbench, into the access stem (conduit), and attach its end to the small metal rectangle at the bottom of the stem.

   (Note that the new water key attaches to an extension that is connected to the actual valve on the water line. Hence, the key will no longer reach all the way down to the water line. This is why it is shorter than the old water key.)

   Open the underground shut-off valve by turning it a ¼ turn counter clockwise. After turning, the wings of the water key will be in line with the water line, that is, approximately parallel to the back of the cabin.)

5. Open the main valve under the cabin (red knob on water line in storage area). You will hear the release of pressure as the water begins to flow through the pipe.
   
   
6. Do NOT turn on the electric breaker to the hot water tank until you complete the following Step #6:

   Open the hot water tap in any of the water fixtures (faucets) INSIDE the cabin. There will be no water appearing, yet.

   Opening this valve allows the hot water tank to fill with water, forcing air out of the tank. When all the air is out of the hot water tank, water will flow freely through that fixture.  This means that the hot water tank is now full and that faucet can now be turned off.

7. Then it is safe to go to the electrical panel and turn on the electric breaker to the hot water tank. (Warning:  One must be VERY SURE that the hot water tank is full of water before turning on the breaker for the hot water tank. Otherwise, it will ruin the hot water tank.
   
   
8. You have now completed the process! Happy stay at the cabin!