The official start of winter is here and although the weather has been mild, freezing weather conditions can begin at any time. The best defense from problems is to be prepared.

I created this check list several years ago and received positive feedback and suggestions from many clients. I am reposting as a reminder to assist everyone to review and make the necessary preparations to minimize any problems that may occur. Preparation is the key to saving money, time, and aggravation. Please take the time to review this list, print, and check off items as accomplish these tasks.

Please consider the following:

  1. Winterize your lawn sprinkler system! Call now to arrange your appointment.
  2. Close all your water supply valves to outside hose bibs. Open hose bibs after you close the inside valve and allow to drain. Water left in hose bib will freeze and crack.
  3. Plumbing: insulate all exposed piping in crawl spaces, basements, attics, garages, and outside walls. Use electrical heat tape in areas of exposure to cold e.g., crawl spaces.
  4. During extreme cold weather open faucets and allow water to trickle.
  5. During extreme cold weather open cabinet doors under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms.
  6. Know where your main water shut off valve is in case of a broken pipe or other emergency. Test the valve to make sure it works. If not working, then have a plumber replace. Mark the valve with a tag to easily identify.
  7. Install a water alarm in areas that may be damaged by water if a leak should occur. Next to boiler, water main, laundry room, under sinks. They are inexpensive, use batteries, and work great!
  8. Have your heating system serviced and tuned up. Change filters for oil and air. Make sure the flu (exhaust system) is working properly. Make sure deliveries are on schedule and you are not “lost” in the system.
  9. If your oil tank is outside and, in the ground, then make sure it is easy to find and will not be covered up by snow. Place a 36” marking stake next to the fill pipe cap.
  10. Make sure all the heat vents are not blocked. Make sure baseboard heat is not blocked; clean all around it to allow air to flow through.
  11. Check thermostats to make sure they are working properly. Switch to a programmable thermostat to save money and energy. They pay for themselves the first winter.
  12. Check your chimney, fireplace, and wood burning stove for leaks, drafts, and obstructions. Have it professionally cleaned and check the draft to make sure it is working properly.
  13. Humidifiers are great! Purchase a portable humidifier or have one installed. If you already own one, check to make sure it is clean and check duct work and have it cleaned professionally to prevent dust and mold from circulating throughout the house.
  14. Have your gutters cleaned! Check all gutters, leaders, and drains to make sure they are working properly. You do not want water to back up and enter your home.
  15. Purchase and install a heating system for your roof edge and gutters. This will prevent ice dams that may build up on your roof edge and cause water damage to your home. 
  16. Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Check flashing in and around chimneys and other places where the roof meets a wall and other projections.
  17. Insulate! Insulate! Insulate! It is inexpensive and effective. Insulate pipes, hot water tanks, and exterior outlets, interior outlets on outside walls, switch plates, and gaps in exterior siding. Use foam wraps, pipe wraps, heat tape, blankets, and foam sealant. It will prevent damage and save you money!
  18. Caulk and seal all windows and doors.
  19. Cover the AC condenser outside. Keep leaves, debris, and moisture out.
  20. Check all window wells to make sure they are cleaned out and covered. You do not want water and snow to accumulate and drain into window wells.
  21. Check basement drains to make sure they are not blocked and are working properly. If you have a sump pump, then make sure that it works and that the discharge pipe is not blocked and working.
  22. Check your landscape drainage system and make sure the catch basins and drains are not covered with leaves and debris. Check the attachment of drainage pipe to the leader to make sure it is not dislodged or stuck with debris.
  23. Finish yard clean up! Leaves on lawn block out sunlight and allow mold to grow and damage lawn.
  24. Cover all outdoor furniture, tables, toys, tools, and place away out of elements to keep from blowing around and getting damaged. They will also last longer and require less replacement.
  25. Prune trees that may fall and damage homes and property from a storm.
  26. Have batteries on hand for flashlights and radio in case of loss of electricity. Also have plenty of candles and matches.
  27. Purchase a mophie battery pack to charge your phone during power loss.
  28. Have your snow blower ready to go and easy to access. Have fresh gas containers filled and ready. Start your snow blower once a week to make sure it will work when you need it. Have snow shovels available and ready to use. If you need to replace it now and not when we have a snowstorm.
  29. If you do not have a snow blower and you cannot shovel snow, then contact a local snow removal company to take care of your home. Remember that wet snow cannot be easily removed with a snow blower or a shovel. When wet snow freezes it becomes ice and dangerous. Call your local landscape maintenance company to see if they can provide this service.
  30. Have plenty of ice melt available and use the least toxic ice melt available. Go to Greenlawn Hardware in Greenlawn as they have a huge supply. 
  31. Have plenty of birdseed handy and throw on walks and driveways. It will melt the snow, make slippery areas stable, and take care of our feathered friends.
  32. Call your local supplier now and get a stack of firewood for your fireplace or wood burning stove.
  33. Check your smoke alarm and make sure it works. Change the batteries once a year on your birthday.
  34. Install a Carbon Monoxide alarm. If you already have the test and or change to cartridge.
  35. Check all cable and TV connections. Make sure all outside connections are not weathered and damaged by weather and rodents.
  36. Check on elderly neighbors and relatives. Follow through this list for them. Help keep them safe and secure.

Rain Rich encourages you to follow our list to eliminate most of the problems that may occur. Please print and keep it handy.  If you need help with any of the above or would like to discuss then feel free to contact us at 631-423-2211 or email us at mnava@rainrich.com.