Snow covers a block of houses after a blizzard in Bellevue, Ky., on Friday.
Jeff Dean / NPR
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Jeff Dean / NPR
Snow covers a block of houses after a blizzard in Bellevue, Ky., on Friday.
Jeff Dean / NPR
If you’ve just bought your first home, you may be wondering how best to take care of your new investment during harsh winter weather. Or maybe you’ve been home for a while and are looking for some handy tips to avoid any costly problems that can arise with freezing temperatures.
We spoke to the experts to help put together some tips to get your home through the colder months of the year.
Beware of frozen pipes
One of the biggest worries when temperatures plummet is making sure the pipes in your home don’t burst.
Matthew Hessling, owner of Hessling Plumbing in Hamilton, Ohio, recommends that you first identify problem spots. He suggests looking for possible sources of cold air entering exposed parts of your home by walking around the perimeter looking for holes, gaps, or cracks in the foundation. And, he says, remember to consider plumbing fixtures that may be adjacent to an outside wall, which will be much closer to the cold.
“You’re going to want to prevent cold air from entering those pipes,” says Hessling.
Normally, if your home is above 55 degrees most pipes will be fine, but if the temperature inside starts to drop, Hessling has a few tips to keep your pipes from freezing:
- Insulate exposed pipes to help keep them warm.
- Leave the cupboard open under your sink.
- Let the faucet drip so that the water runs continuously.
How do you know if you have a problem?
“The first thing you’ll notice is the fixture will stop working — you’ll stop directing water to the fixture,” says Hessling.
And if the pipes were broken?
“You will see the water move,” says Hessling. “You’ll see a buildup of ice that you’ll have to trace back to find where the water is coming from.”
If you notice water coming out of a fixture, he says, the easiest way to prevent the problem is to disconnect the water from that fixture and stop using it until a professional can arrive. and repair. If you have a more serious leak, he recommends knowing in advance where your main water shut-off valve is.
“That one valve would shut off water to the entire house and would prevent any catastrophic damage from happening,” says Hessling.
Prevent damage to your roof
Tanner Ziese, chief inspector for Dwell Inspection Services in Cincinnati, says another potential problem to watch out for is your roof.
“Sometimes ice dams can build up on shingles and can penetrate the crust, which is the wood under the roof covering,” he said.
This can damage the roof and create another opportunity for water to enter your home. Ziese recommends not climbing onto your roof if you notice this is happening as it can be unsafe. He said to call a roofing company and remove the tape if possible. He also recommends paying attention to your attic, if you have a secure entrance, looking for leaks or signs of freezing in the wood under your roof.
“The earlier you catch it, the less painful it is,” says Ziese.
Stay safe during power outages
Another potential danger during winter storms is power outages. If your home loses power during a storm, FEMA recommends You first try to keep as much heat in the house as possible by closing the blinds and curtains. Close the doors to rooms you don’t use and tuck rags or towels into the openings to try to contain as much heat as possible.
FEMA also warns that winter home fires can be common. Be sure to plug in only one heater per outlet and keep it away from anything flammable.
Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage because of the dangers of carbon monoxide. It is important to test carbon monoxide detectors monthly so they are ready for emergencies.
What to do after the storm is over?
When the snow starts to melt and the storm melts, Ziese recommends inspecting your home thoroughly, looking for any signs of damage.
Test all devices to make sure everything works again if you experience a power outage.
And if you do have damage to your home, contact your insurance company or the appropriate contractors to make sure a small leak doesn’t turn into a major problem.
“Being active as soon as it dissolves can prevent major headaches in the long run,” says Ziese.
