As temperatures start to drop, it’s time to think about more than cozy blankets and hot cocoa; your home needs a little winter prep, too. Cold weather can be tough on your plumbing, insulation, and exterior, leading to costly problems like frozen pipes or water damage. The good news? A few proactive steps now can help you stay warm, safe, and worry-free all season long.

Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and most damaging) winter plumbing issues. When water inside your pipes freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause pipes to burst and flood your home.

Prevention Tips:

• • Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
  • Consider adding heat tape to those difficult to insulate pipes.
  • Let faucets drip slightly during extremely cold nights to keep water moving.
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets.
  • Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if you’re away.

Seal Out Cold Air

Drafts don’t just make your home uncomfortable, they can cause your heating system to work harder and make it easier for pipes near exterior walls to freeze.

Try this:

• Add weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors.
• Check for gaps around vents, outlets, and attic access points.
• Seal any cracks in your home’s foundation or siding.

Check Your Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can trap melting snow and ice, sending water right where you don’t want it: into your roof, walls, or basement.

Before winter hits:

• Clean out leaves and debris from gutters.
• Make sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation.
• Consider adding gutter guards for easier maintenance next year.

Inspect Your Heating System

A well-maintained furnace keeps your home warm and prevents temperature dips that could put your plumbing at risk.

Tips:

• Replace air filters before heavy use begins.
• Schedule a professional inspection to ensure your system is running safely and efficiently.
• Make sure vents and radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains.

Make Sure Your Fireplace and Chimney Are Ready For Use

Before you cozy up by the fire this season, make sure your fireplace and chimney are ready for action! In our last blog post, we talked about the steps you need to take to make sure your fireplace is safe and ready to use.

Top Fireplace Safety Tips:

• Schedule a Chimney Inspection and Cleaning
• Use a Fireplace Screen
• Burn the Right Wood
• Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

If a pipe ever does burst, shutting off your home’s water quickly can minimize damage. Make sure everyone in the household knows where to find it and how to use it.

Haven Builders: We’re Here to Help

At Haven Builders, we hope these steps help you prevent damage and enjoy a worry-free winter. But if the unexpected happens, whether it’s frozen pipes, flooding, roof or water damage, our restoration team can get your home back to (or better than) normal.

We specialize in water damage and basement remodels, working quickly to dry, repair, and restore your home so you can get back to normal as soon as possible. Because while we hope you never need to use our restoration services, we’re here to help if you do.

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