Winter can be tough on your home, but a few quick steps can prevent the most common cold-weather damage. The biggest risk this time of year is frozen or burst pipes, and protecting your water lines should be your first priority.
Start by turning off your outdoor water supply at the interior shutoff valve, then open the outside spigot to drain any remaining water. Leaving hoses connected or water trapped in the line is one of the easiest ways for a pipe to freeze and burst inside your wall.
Inside your home, make sure any pipes running through cold areas—basements, crawlspaces, attics, and garages—are insulated or wrapped. On extremely cold nights, letting faucets drip and keeping the heat steady can help prevent freezing. If you’re leaving town, consider shutting off your water entirely and draining your lines for peace of mind.
It’s also smart to know exactly where your main water shutoff valve is located. In a sudden leak or burst pipe, turning the water off quickly can prevent thousands of dollars in damage. Many water companies and smart devices even offer leak or usage alerts, which can warn you early if something goes wrong.
Clear gutters, check furnace filters, and keep walkways safe with salt or shoveling—all simple steps that make winter much easier on your home.
With a little prep, most winter losses are completely avoidable. And if you ever want help reviewing your protection or making sure your home is ready for the cold, I’m always here to help.