The Complete Checklist for Winterizing Your Home

Winter is fast approaching, and temperatures are already dropping in some parts of the country. Now is the time to start thinking about how to winterize your home. Winterizing your home is important whether it is occupied or vacant.

Winterizing your home can include some DIY tasks you can do today. Others are best left to the pros. Don’t skip anything that might lead to broken pipes, drains, or roofs. It could result in damage to your home’s plumbing, the roof, or even the structure.

In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s important to winterize your home (vacant or occupied) and tips to get started on the process.

Winterizing Your Home Checklist

Winterizing your home can prevent damages, costly repairs and major headaches down the line. Follow the tips below to get started.

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Protecting the Pipes

Pipes can freeze when the temperature drops too low, or your home loses power. This is even more prevalent in areas with no insulation. It’s important to protect pipes with pipe foam that is wrapped around to prevent freezing.

If your home will be vacant for an extended period in winter months, protecting the plumbing is very important. A burst pipe can cause a lot of damage before it’s even noticed. Just turning the water off isn’t enough. Follow the steps below to drain the pipes thoroughly before leaving the home vacant.

1. Shut off the main water supply. Begin by shutting off the main water valve.
2. Turn off the water pump and water heater. For a gas water heater, turn off the gas and extinguish the pilot light. Attach a three or four-foot section of garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom. Open the valve and drain the water into a bucket, emptying periodically. Allow the water to drain out completely.
3. Open all the faucets. Leave faucets open until every drop of water drains out. Use air compressors to remove any excess water from the pipes.
4. Empty the toilets. Flush the toilets to drain water from tanks and bowls. Remove as much water as possible, then add antifreeze to any remaining water. Flush as many times as needed to empty the holding tank. If any water remains, use a sponge to remove it.
5. Check for drain traps. Check all sinks and tubs for potential drain traps, adding antifreeze to each.

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Clean Your Gutters

This may seem like a small task compared to plumbing preparation, but it’s just as important. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged roofs or cause damage to the foundation of the home.

While this can be done yourself, cleaning out leaves and debris can get pretty messy. There’s also the possibility of injury from a steep fall. Consider hiring outside help to clean out your gutters.

Another option is to use a professional to install gutters with leaf guards that don’t get clogged.

Seal Doors and Windows

Have you ever felt a draft come through a window in winter? Older homes and those with imperfect insulation may be at risk of wasted energy resources.

Use caulk around window seams and door frames to prevent air from passing through. You can also install additional insulation in rooms that are used more to help keep the warm air inside.

Wrapping Up

Winterizing your home every year is a good habit to get into. Whether it’s DIY projects or calling the pros, it’s an important step in preventing major damage to your home. Investing in your home during the winter months will help save you money and stress while ensuring you’re warm and cozy inside.

KEEP READING: What Should I Do if My Pipes Freeze?