As hard as winter can be on us, it can be even harder on our houses. From frozen pipes to cracked fountains, there are a number of ways that cold weather and precipitation can wreak havoc on a home—especially our outdoor spaces. The good news: by properly winterizing your home, you can protect your property all winter long. Read on for our go-to maintenance protocols when winter is approaching.
Pipe bursts are common in colder climates. When water freezes, it expands, and when this happens in pipes, it can cause them to swell and rupture. Some pipes (particularly those in colder climates) are insulated to reduce the risk of ruptures, but those that are not insulated are more vulnerable to freezing.
Are your pipes insulated? If not, you could be in for an expensive problem if the temperatures drop! Here are some simple steps for how to winterize a house’s outdoor pipes, faucets, and hose spigots.
1. Turn off your water supply. Your water supply valve is most likely located near your water meter. Your home may have a separate valve for your indoor and outdoor water supply, so be sure to turn off the correct line.
2. Remove any hoses from your faucets. Once your outdoor water line is turned off, remove any hoses connected to your outdoor spigots and store them away for the winter.
3. Turn your outdoor faucets all the way on and let them run. This action will allow excess water to drain, which will prevent ice blockages from forming in the winter. Once the water stops dripping, turn the faucet off.
4. Place an insulation cover on your faucet. An insulated foam or cloth cover will help protect snow and other moisture from damaging your outdoor pipes during the winter months.
Properly sealed windows are essential for keeping the inside of your home warm and energy-efficient throughout the winter. Any worn-out seals or cracks in the frames can cause cold air to leak in (and heat to leak out). By taking the time to winterize your windows, you can solve a large portion of the problem and have a warmer, more energy-efficient space.
First, inspect your window panes for any cracks or broken glass. Next, caulk any holes or openings around your windows and doors. For additional protection, you can also install weather stripping and seals to protect against drafts.
At the end of patio season, give your outdoor furniture and cushions a good cleaning. Let your furniture fully dry before storing it to prevent mold and mildew growth. If you have a garage, basement, or outdoor storage box, storing away patio furniture or cushions is the best way to protect them from the elements. Alternatively, you can invest in high-quality patio furniture covers to keep patio furniture protected during the winter.
When it comes time to winterize your house, you’ll need prepare your outdoor kitchen for winter as well. First, give your grill a good cleaning and clean your countertops and any appliances. Next, cover your grill with a high-quality, weather-resistant cover. Turn off and unplug any other appliances and shut off the water supply, making sure to flush any remaining water from the pipes (unless you have a gravity-based winterization system, you’ll need to pump the water out). These steps will protect your outdoor kitchen when it’s not in use and keep it in tip-top shape come grilling season.
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