5 Home Winterization Tips

As winter creeps closer, most homeowners turn their attention to making sure their Naperville homes are well-prepared for harsh weather. Winterizing a home can not only ensure the safety of those living there, but can also save hundreds or thousands of dollars on unexpected repairs.

Whether it’s checking a home’s pipes or making sure the guttering is clear of debris, there are several home winterization tips people can follow to make winter as enjoyable as possible.

Inspect for Leaks and Insulate Pipes

If there is one thing a person does not want to deal with on a cold winter night, it’s finding their pipes leaking or bursting due to freezing temperatures.

To avoid this, it’s a good idea to inspect all pipes along with any outside faucets to make sure nothing is wrong.

Pipes that are located in a basement, garage, attic, or crawlspace are very vulnerable to freezing, so calling in a plumber to insulate the pipes with Styrofoam pipe insulation or use temperature-controlled heated coils laid directly on the pipes can prevent problems from occurring.

Check the Foundation and Roof

The foundation and roof of a Naperville home can be problem areas during the winter, so it’s important to make sure they are in good shape prior to the first blast of snow or ice. Since many attics and roofs now contain plumbing lines, they can be prone to leaking.

If this happens, a person may find water leaking from ceilings, running down walls, and causing thousands of dollars of damage to the home and other possessions inside.

If the foundation has any leaks, it can lead to water accumulating in a basement, which can also cause damage. Having a plumber inspect these areas and repair any leaks or other damage can be a smart move toward having a safer home during the winter.

Hot Water Supply Line

What many people fail to realize is that a hot water supply line can freeze just as easily as a cold water supply line if it has no water running through the pipe.

To make sure this does not happen, it’s best to keep water running through the pipe as often as possible as well as eliminate drafts to areas where these lines are located.

Having a plumber inspect these lines for any leaks or rust can also save on potential repair bills, and can make sure any needed repairs are made.

Winter is almost upon us in the Naperville, IL area. To get the best advice on winterizing your home, call Jim Wagner at (630) 577-9341 today!