How to winterize your outdoor kitchen in Maine

Maine’s outdoor cooking season will soon end, as warm summer days are fleeting. Before we know it, it will be time to close your outdoor kitchen and prepare for winter.

Outdoor kitchens do not require much, but the little maintenance they need is essential to keep them in great shape for next year. Neglecting an outdoor kitchen in the winter can lead to broken water lines, burst pipes and unfortunate appliance damage.

Here is what you need to do to your outdoor kitchen to protect it against the ravages of Maine winters until next spring.

Empty the water lines

The last thing you need is for your water lines to freeze over, which can damage your faucet, burst a pipe and ruin your lines. Winterizing the pipes as soon as possible is essential, especially since Maine winters come notoriously early.

Turn off the water valves located under the sink. Add soft insulation around the pipes to prevent them from freezing. You can always call Plumbers 911 Maine to have this professionally done by a licensed plumber just to be on the safe side.

Finally, turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water in the line. Draining the water will avoid a burst pipe by removing any stagnant water. Keep the drain valves open all winter to protect the lines from freezing. 

Clean the sink

After you have drained the water lines and cleaned and dried the sink, you may consider removing the faucet and fixtures. Removing the fixtures is an unnecessary step so long as the lines are dry. Make sure the sink is securely covered to keep snow, ice and other debris from causing a mess and potentially scratching the surface.

Shut off the gas, clean the grill and other cooking appliances

Shut off the gas in your outdoor kitchen. You will not be using it during the winter, and it is safer to turn off the gas.

It is also cleaning the grill and other cooking appliances. Remove the grill grates and warming rack and scrub off any grease and food residue with a degreaser. Once everything is primarily clean, go over the surfaces with a stainless steel cleaner. Add a cover for extra protection against snow and ice.

Clean out the refrigerator and freezer

Lastly, remember to address your outdoor refrigerator.

Unplug the fridge and remove all food items. If the unit contains a freezer, then let it thaw. 

Clean the fridge and the freezer thoroughly and dry the interior to prevent mold growth. Be mindful of any hidden places water may rest.

Do not cover the fridge because it can lead to an accumulation of moisture that can damage the appliance.

Call Plumbers 911 Maine for any outdoor kitchen help

If you need outdoor kitchen help, call Plumbers 911 Maine. We will send a licensed plumbing contractor to your door to inspect, repair or renovate your outdoor kitchen. 

All our licensed plumbers are highly trained and vetted. They are drug tested, insured and bonded. Call Plumbers 911 Maine and schedule a time to meet with a trusted licensed plumber!