Cold weather can arrive quickly. Taking care of a few things around your home before temperatures drop can help prevent problems when the first freeze arrives.
You don’t need an elaborate winterization plan to get your home ready for the first freeze. A quick walk around your home (inside, outside, and underneath) can help you catch some of the most common cold-weather concerns before they become problems.
Disconnect and Drain Garden Hoses
Remove hoses from exterior faucets and drain them before storing them for the winter. A connected hose can trap water, which may freeze and expand when temperatures drop.
Be sure to also check exterior faucets for leaks, dripping, or visible damage.
Pay Attention to Pipes in Colder Areas
Pay particular attention to plumbing in crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls, and other areas that aren’t as well protected from the cold.
Look for exposed pipes and damaged or missing pipe insulation. If you’ve had a pipe freeze in a particular area before, make that one of your first places to check.
Know Where Your Water Shutoff Is
If a pipe does freeze and burst, knowing how to quickly shut off your home’s water supply can make a significant difference in the amount of damage that occurs.
Before winter, make sure you know where your main water shutoff is located and that you can access it easily. Everyone in the household who may need to respond to an emergency should know where it is as well.
Clear Leaves and Debris from Gutters and Downspouts
Fall leaves can quickly restrict the flow of water through gutters and downspouts. Clear accumulated debris and make sure downspouts are directing water away from your home.
If you’ve already noticed overflowing gutters or water collecting near the foundation during fall rains, don’t ignore it simply because colder weather is approaching.
Check Drainage and Sump Systems
Water still needs somewhere to go when temperatures fluctuate, particularly as frozen conditions thaw.
Take a look at areas around your home where water collects or drains. If you have a sump pump, make sure it is operating properly before winter weather arrives.
Walk Around Your Home’s Exterior
Look for damaged weatherstripping, deteriorated caulk, gaps around exterior penetrations, damaged vents, or other obvious openings.
You don’t need to inspect every inch of the house. You’re simply looking for things that appear damaged, loose, open, or different from the last time you checked.
Check Outdoor Steps, Walkways, and Railings
Wet leaves, ice, and freezing temperatures can make already-loose railings, uneven steps, and slippery walking surfaces more hazardous.
Clear leaves and debris from frequently used walkways and take care of obvious safety concerns before icy weather makes them more difficult to address.
Put Winter Supplies Somewhere You Can Actually Find Them
Ice melt, snow shovels, flashlights, pipe insulation, faucet covers, and other seasonal supplies aren’t very helpful if they’re buried behind everything else in the garage when you need them.
Take a few minutes to check what you already have and put it somewhere accessible.
Are You Ready for the First Freeze?
You don’t need to do everything at once. The purpose of a pre-freeze check is to identify the things that need attention before temperatures drop and separate them from projects that can wait.
If you find something during your walk-through that you’re not sure how to address, Hausmeister Home Services can help you determine what needs attention and what can wait.