Tiny house living at Mountain Haven is pretty simple during the warmer months, but wintertime living brings new challenges and solutions that must be addressed.
Mountain Haven, for many decades, was a seasonal campground that closed during the winter months. As a result, the infrastructure for year-round living wasn’t fully developed, particularly for winter conditions. The biggest issue has been that the water lines running from the well to various spots were not buried below the frost line.
As many of you have seen, we have already begun the process of burying new water lines, all of which will be installed below the frost line. We will also be adding an entirely new constant-pressure water well system, with components safely buried underground. This new system will ensure consistent water pressure, significantly reducing the risk of the water well freezing.
Responsibilities for Owners and Renters
Owners
As a homeowner at Mountain Haven, you are responsible for maintaining your tiny house to prevent issues like freezing water lines and water hoses. Essentially, everything from the water faucet hookup to your tiny house falls under your care, as it is your property. Please continue reading for best practices and recommended items to protect your water system during the winter months.
Renters
If you live in a tiny house or cabin owned by Mountain Haven, it is your responsibility to report any issues with freezing water lines. Additionally, you are required to perform basic maintenance, such as ensuring your tiny house is conditioned (heated) when you’re away and leaving the outdoor water faucet on a slow drip (if your tiny house is equipped with one).
Tips for Winterizing Your Tiny Home
Conditioning Your Tiny Home
Most tiny homes are insulated extremely well—often better than traditional homes. However, if you leave your tiny house without a heat source for extended periods, the water pipes may freeze, especially during very cold days. To prevent this, we recommend leaving your heating system on a low-temperature setting when you’re away to maintain adequate indoor warmth.
Draining Water Lines
If you plan to leave your tiny house for an extended period, another effective precaution is turning off the water supply at the spigot and draining the water lines through your outdoor faucet. This ensures there’s no water in the lines to freeze.
Heat Tape
Heat tape is an excellent tool for protecting exposed water lines and the hose leading to your tiny house. This device provides consistent heat to the areas it wraps around, helping to prevent freezing. Simply plug the heat tape into your outdoor electrical outlet.
Freeze Miser
A low-tech yet effective gadget we recommend is the Freeze Miser. Attach this device to your outdoor water spigot and turn the spigot on. When temperatures drop below freezing, the Freeze Miser automatically begins dripping water to prevent freezing. You can find one here.
Heated Water Hoses
Heated water hoses are another great option to keep the water line to your tiny house from freezing. These hoses function similarly to heat tape, with a heating element built into the hose itself. Plug the heated hose into your outdoor electrical outlet. You can purchase one here.
Skirting Your Tiny House
Skirting is an effective way to stabilize the temperature under your tiny house. By blocking cold air from blowing beneath your home, skirting helps maintain warmer floors and protects water lines that may run underneath.
Final Thoughts
By following these best practices, you can greatly reduce the chances of freezing issues in your tiny home this winter. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us through DoorLoop.
Best regards,
Mountain Haven Management
