Every winter, it’s the same story: the first frost hits, and suddenly, half the neighborhood experiences the same frozen pipes or soggy basements—a tale as old as time. The winter is when everything you rely on starts to fall apart. But the reality is your home doesn’t fall apart in winter; it fails long before then. It’s just that winter makes things that little bit worse, and it’s when things really go downhill.
You don’t need a full remodel, but you do need to prep the parts of your home that get wet, drip, or drain before the winter arrives.
Wrap your Pipes
If you’ve ever woken up to no water on a freezing morning, you will know exactly why wrapping your pipes is essential. Pipes freeze when the temperature drops for long periods. According to Angi, “Pipes in 20°F for prolonged periods will freeze.”
Foam sleeves cost a few dollars and heat heat tape helps for exposed or garage pipes. Insulate before the cold hits – not after the damage occurs.
Don’t Forget Outside Taps
They’re easy to overlook—out of sight, out of mind. But these faucets and outdoor spigots are often weak points when the frost sets in. Disconnect the hose, drain the line, and shut off the inside valve if you have one, and you’re halfway there.
Also, if your outdoor plumbing is old or stubborn, call a plumber. Fixing a frozen or cracked spigot in the dead of winter means walls may get opened, and floors might get ruined, so in this case, prevention is much better than cure, and early intervention is best.
Test Your Sump Pump Before You Need It
Water does not come from snow melt alone; it comes from ice melting, rain runoff, and clogged drainage. According to Angi, the average cost of water damage restoration is $3,846, underlining how quickly unattended issues can escalate. That’s a lot of money for a simple task you can do yourself by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. If it doesn’t kick on in seconds, check the power or float switch. It will save you a lot of stress mid-storm.
Flush and Drain Your Water Heater
Your water heater works overtime once temperatures drop. Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, causing it to run longer to heat the same amount of water. The US Department of Energy recommends that regular flushing keep efficiency up and extend the heater’s lifespan.
Let the water cool, open the drain valve, and release a few gallons. If it looks rusty, the tank is probably nearing the end of its life.
Seal Your Damp Spots
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens – anywhere water splashes it seeps too. Check grout lines, silicone seals, and under sink fittings. A weekend with a tube of sealant beats mold in spring. Replace old washing machine hoses if needed when doing these checks too – one burst pipe can cost thousands in damage and wasted water.
It’s not glamorous, but if you want to avoid the drama of burst pipes and water issues in your home, these few simple checks and fixes can save you time, money, and stress this winter.
