Part 1
Winterize Water Pipes:
Water supply pipes are especially susceptible to freezing in wintry weather and burst pipes from freezing can cause some of the most expensive repairs in the home. Exposed drainpipes can also occasionally freeze, so it is important to systematically review the plumbing in your home.
• Insulate exposed piping: If you have any exposed water pipes in uninsulated spaces—such as in a crawlspace, an attic, exterior walls — make sure to insulate them at a minimum with foam insulating sleeves. Ideally, you should wrap them with electrical heating tape first and then insulate them.
• Exterior faucets: Known as hose bibbs or sillcocks, the exterior faucets need to have their water supply turned off inside the house, and you also need to drain water from them by opening the exterior faucets. Also consider an insulated cover for the hose bibb and remember to disconnect your garden hoses and drain them.
• Seasonal shutdown: If you are shutting down a property for the winter, you should always shut off the water supply and drain the plumbing system. If a leak were to occur when you are not present, the damage would be catastrophic.
Part 2
Review Insulation
Major insulation upgrades are not something to do hurriedly right before winter. A home that is in serious need of more insulation should be carefully evaluated to ensure a quality job. But there are some areas you can easily insulate to help prepare for winter.
• Insulate the hot water heater: Use an insulating blanket you can buy at the hardware store.
• Insulate exterior outlets and switch plates: Use inexpensive foam sealing gaskets.
• Seal unused fireplaces: If you do not use your fireplace and it leaks air, you can cut a piece of fiberglass insulation and stuff it into the fireplace behind your fireplace screen to block the chilly air coming down the chimney. Of course, you will need to remove this whenever you use the fireplace.
Performing these simple tasks can help save you a few dollars and help keep you home nice and warm. Stay Safe and Stay Warm.
