Winter Weather Is Here: How to Protect Your Home Before Freezing Temperatures Hit

❄️ Winter Weather Update: What Every Homeowner Should Do Before the Freeze Hits

Winter has officially arrived—and with it comes extended cold weather and temperatures dipping below freezing. While cozy nights and winter views have their charm, freezing temperatures can quickly turn into costly home damage if the right precautions aren’t taken.

The good news? A few proactive steps now can help protect your home, your plumbing, and your peace of mind. Below are smart, practical tips every homeowner should know as temperatures drop.

🚿 Protecting Your Plumbing: Where to Start

Tankless Water Heaters

If your home has a tankless water heater, this is especially important. During extended freezing temperatures, allow a small trickle of hot water to run. This helps keep the cold-water supply line from freezing and protects the system from damage.

Pipes on Exterior Walls

Plumbing fixtures located on exterior walls—such as sinks, showers, and vanities—are the most vulnerable.

• Let a small trickle of cold water run through these fixtures during extreme cold.

• Wrapping hose bibs with towels or insulation may sound helpful, but in prolonged freezing conditions, it’s often ineffective.

• The most reliable protection is maintaining water flow until temperatures rise back into the mid-20s.

🛠️ Be Prepared: Smart Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

A little preparation goes a long way. Consider these preventative measures:

• Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, basements, and attics

• Keep your heat on and close off unused rooms

• Use heat tape or thermostatically controlled cables where needed

• Seal any drafts or leaks near plumbing

• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off interior valves leading to outdoor faucets

🚨 If Your Pipes Freeze or Burst

Act quickly and safely:

• Call a licensed plumber

• Shut off the main water supply immediately

• Do not use a torch to thaw frozen pipes

• Avoid using electrical appliances in areas with standing water

🌡️ When Temperatures Drop Overnight

Simple habits can make a big difference:

• Trickle both hot and cold water overnight

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes near exterior walls

🧣 Stay Warm & Safe at Home

Cold weather affects more than plumbing. Be ready for winter conditions by:

• Charging battery-powered devices

• Having flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit on hand

• Keeping extra blankets available

• Never using ovens or ranges as heat sources

• Using generators outdoors only, with proper ventilation

• Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Choosing battery-powered LED lights instead of candles

🏠 Heading Out of Town? Don’t Skip This

If you’ll be away during freezing temperatures:

• Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees

• Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your home

• Consider shutting off and draining the water system
  Note: This may deactivate in-home fire protection sprinkler systems—consult a professional first.

❄️ Final Thought

Winter weather doesn’t have to bring winter worries. A few simple steps today can help prevent major repairs tomorrow—and keep your home safe, warm, and protected all season long.

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