Steps to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter storms can appear out of nowhere, surprising even the most prepared homeowners. Just think back to Texas in February 2021, when an extreme cold front swept across the state, causing power outages that left millions in the dark, literally.

In early February 2021, a Winter Storm Warning went into effect for cities like Houston, Austin, and Waco, where temperatures stayed below freezing for days on end, breaking historical records. Roads became impassable due to ice and snow, and many homeowners had to manage without heat or electricity.

These kinds of storms can take any of us by surprise, so if you want to avoid last-minute stress, now’s the time to prepare your home for winter. In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical steps to keep your home safe and comfortable, just in case winter weather conditions take a turn for the worse.

How to Prepare for a Winter Ice Storm

When it comes to staying safe in extreme cold, planning ahead can make a big difference. Here are some key steps to prepare your home for winter that will help you avoid common winter woes, like frozen pipes and power outages.

Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Prepare an emergency supply kit that covers all your basics:

• Non-perishable food and water: Have enough for at least three days.
• Battery-powered radio: Keep a radio on hand to stay informed about weather conditions.
• Extra batteries: Batteries are essential for flashlights, radios, and other electronics.
• First-aid kit: Include basic medical supplies for any unexpected injuries.
• Sleeping bags and blankets: You’ll want these in case you lose heat in your home.
• Flashlights and candles: Power outages are common during winter storms, so have plenty of light sources ready.

When taking steps to prepare your home for winter, don’t forget the basics. These items will keep you covered during a power outage and provide the essentials you’ll need if you end up without access to heat or water.

Inspect and Protect Your Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Freezing pipes are a homeowner’s nightmare — especially when a winter weather advisory is in effect. When pipes freeze, the water inside expands, creating pressure that can burst pipes and flood your home. By taking steps to protect your pipes now, you can prevent an emergency later.

• Wrap exposed pipes: Outdoor pipes, crawl spaces, and pipes along exterior walls are the most vulnerable. One of the most important steps to prepare your home for winter is to insulate these pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape to help keep them warm. Pay special attention to outdoor faucets and water lines that could freeze.
• Let faucets drip: When temperatures are extremely cold, one of the best winter plumbing tips is to let your faucets drip. A slow drip of warm water keeps the water moving, which makes pipes less likely to freeze.
• Open cabinet doors: This allows warm air to circulate around pipes, especially those in unheated areas like garages and under sinks. The added warmth could make all the difference in preventing pipes from freezing.
• Locate your shutoff valve: In case of an emergency, being able to locate your water shutoff valve is one of the most valuable winter plumbing tips. This can save you time and money if a pipe does burst. Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is, too.

Seal and Insulate Your Home

Winterizing your home goes beyond plumbing. Making sure your home is well-sealed and insulated can help keep it warm, cut down on heating costs, and make it easier to stay comfortable indoors.

• Seal windows and doors: Check for drafts around windows and doors. Caulk or use weather stripping to seal any gaps where cold air might be coming in.
• Insulate your attic and crawl spaces: Heat escapes through your attic, so insulating it can help keep your home warmer. Insulating crawl spaces can also help prevent exposed pipes from freezing.
• Inspect your garage door: If you have an attached garage, a drafty door can let cold air into your home. Make sure your garage door is well-sealed to help keep the cold out.

Ready Your Outdoor Spaces and Vehicles

In addition to winterizing your home, make sure your outdoor areas and vehicles are ready for icy weather.

• Trim trees near power lines: Strong winds can bring down tree branches, which can disrupt power lines. Trimming any nearby trees can help prevent power outages and damage to your home.
• Keep your gas tank full: Cold weather can cause the fuel in your gas tank to thicken, making it harder for your car to start. Keeping the tank full helps with efficiency and prevents fuel lines from freezing.
• Store shovels and ice melt in accessible places: In case of snow, you’ll want your snow shovels, sand, or salt within easy reach. Spreading ice melt on pathways and driveways as soon as a winter storm watch is issued can help reduce ice buildup and prevent accidents.

Final Steps to Prepare Your Home for Winter

When the winter season begins, get familiar with your home’s winter storm plans and set up a checklist of regular maintenance tasks:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: You’ll likely have windows closed for the winter, so it’s important to test these alarms to stay safe from potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Seal windows and doors: Cold temperatures can sneak in through tiny gaps, making your home feel drafty. Weather stripping around windows and doors keeps the warm air in and cold air out.
• Check your roof and gutters: High winds can damage roofs, so inspect yours before the winter storm outlook gets severe. Clean gutters to prevent ice dams that might lead to leaks.

Why Working With a Professional Plumber Is Key for Winter Preparation

While there are plenty of things homeowners can do to prepare their homes for the winter season, some tasks are best left to the professionals. Plumbing systems are complex, and when severe winter storms hit, even a minor issue can escalate quickly. Having a trusted plumber to turn to is invaluable.

While wrapping exposed pipes and letting faucets drip are great precautions, a professional plumber can offer additional solutions for hard-to-reach or high-risk areas. They can install specialized insulation, seal vulnerable entry points where cold air can reach pipes, and even offer solutions like heat cables that provide consistent warmth to prevent pipes from freezing.

Stay Prepared With Aberle Plumbing in Houston, TX!

Chilly weather can come out of nowhere, and being prepared is the best way to protect your home and family from the elements. Taking these steps now can save you from major headaches and costly repairs later on. Whether you wish to learn more winter plumbing tips or require the assistance of an emergency plumber in Houston, TX, Aberle Plumbing is here to help.

Our experienced team is here to provide reliable plumbing services and keep your home winter-ready. We also offer Houston sewer line repair to keep everything flowing smoothly. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!