Winter Prep Checklist: Essential Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

Before winter settles over Utah, it’s important to prepare your home for the first cold snap. Beyond keeping everything warm and cozy, you also want to protect it from the unimaginable, including water damage. As the freezing temperatures hit, the heavy snow and ice can quickly spiral into costly damage that can cause permanent damage. The good news is there are proactive steps you can take to save you from the heartache.

The team at Water Damage Specialists is here for all your water damage repair services Lehi, UT. We also put together a winter prep checklist to help you prepare for those unthinkable emergencies.

1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Your roof is among your home’s first lines of defense against water damage and needs care and attention. Before winter rolls in, inspect your roof (or call in a professional) to identify missing or damaged shingles and look for any signs of leaks. 

Next, clear away debris from your gutters and downspouts for proper flow and drainage; otherwise, you could experience ice dams. When snow refreezes at the roof’s edge, it can build and eventually cause water to back up and seep into your home. It’s also a good idea to invest in quality gutter guards to minimize debris buildup and ensure water flows away from your home’s foundation. 

2. Protect Exterior Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the leading reasons you’ll need Lehi water damage repair. As the temperatures drop, the water inside of your exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze. Eventually they’ll expand and can cause your pipes to burst and flood your home. Call an emergency plumber as soon as possible if you see bulbing pipes or suspect a leak or freeze.

Take the time to properly insulate your exposed pipes with foam sleeves, heat tape, or pipe wrap. Pay careful attention to areas along exterior walls, in the garage, and under your sinks. You should also keep your garage doors tightly closed and open up the cabinet doors under your sinks to help warm air circulate around your pipes.

If you plan to go out of town for the holiday season, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F and ask a neighbor to check on your home to avoid returning to a major water damage issue. You can also consider allowing your faucets to slowly drip during freezing temperatures to help keep the water moving. If possible, ask a neighbor to check on your home to avoid coming home to water damage. 

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors make it harder to keep your home warm and allow water to seep in during a winter storm. Combined with the risks of ice dams and burst pipes, you’re just adding to the potential water damage in your home. Not to mention, you’re wasting money on energy bills as your heater struggles to keep your home warm. Inspect the weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors to ensure there are no gaps. You should also replace any old or damaged seals to keep water in through small cracks. 

4. Check Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, test it before the heavy snow and ice hit. Melting ice and snow can quickly overwhelm your basement, crawl space, and foundation and lead to potential flooding. Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit to check that it automatically turns on and drains. It’s also important to check the discharge line to see if it’s free of obstructions and positioned to direct water away from your home.

5. Inspect Your Home’s Foundation for Cracks

Foundation cracks are an easy point of entry for water and can expand during freezing and thawing cycles in the winter. Check the visible areas of your foundation for cracks and gaps, especially anything near basement windows or around utility pipes. Waterproof caulk or masonry sealer can work on small cracks, but it’s best to seal multiple, or larger cracks, by a professional.

6. Clean and Service Your Heating System

Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or HVAC, your heating system plays a pivotal role in reducing the likelihood of frozen pipes. Schedule an inspection to check that the furnace or heating system is running as efficiently as possible. If you’ve recently had your furnace or heating system serviced, check the filters to see if they’re clean again, as this will optimize the warm air in your home. The more heat that circulates through your home, the easier it will be to avoid freezing pipes during those cold snaps. 

7. Store Outdoor Hoses and Drain Exterior Faucets

It’s simple to overlook outdoor hoses, faucets, and drains. Don’t let them freeze and contribute to burst pipes and water damage. Disconnect and store your outdoor hoses before the first freeze to prevent potential damage. It’s also important to drain the remaining water from the hoses and store them indoors until spring. Turn off any interior valves that control the water in your outdoor faucet and cover it with spigots or faucet covers to help prevent freezing.

8. Install Water Leak Detection Devices

Leaks aren’t always avoidable, but you can detect them and mitigate the damage as early as possible with water leak detection devices. Place them in high-risk areas, including under sinks, near water heaters, washing machines, sump pumps, and other areas. They can alert you when they detect moisture or even turn off your water supply for an added layer of protection during the winter months.

Call Water Damage Specialists in Lehi for Expert Water Damage Repair Services

If you do experience water damage, don’t wait to get help. The earlier you act, the better your chances are to stop and restore the damage. The team at Water Damage Specialists is skilled at handling water damage, mold, mildew, water extraction, sewage mitigation, and comprehensive emergency water damage repair services Lehi, UT. We’ll restore your home, and your peace of mind, as soon as possible. Schedule your appointment today!