Summer Is the Best Time to Prepare Your Home for Winter

It might seem odd to be thinking about frozen pipes and winter storms when the sun is shining and you're enjoying summer in the Pacific Northwest.

But if you plan to spend part—or all—of the winter away from home, now is actually the best time to prepare.

Every year, we visit homes that have been carefully locked up by their owners, only to discover problems that could have been prevented with a little planning before winter arrived.

Here are three of the biggest risks for unoccupied homes during the winter months—and what you can do now to help prevent them.

1. Protect Against Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive problems homeowners face during the winter.

When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside pipes can freeze and expand. If a pipe bursts, it can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home before anyone realizes there's a problem.

Before leaving for the winter:

✔ Locate and test your main water shutoff valve.

✔ Repair any small plumbing leaks before they become bigger problems.

✔ Disconnect garden hoses and drain exterior faucets.

✔ Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, or unfinished basements.

✔ Know whether shutting off your home's water supply is the right option for your situation.

A little preparation now can save thousands of dollars later.

2. Make Sure Your Heating System Is Ready

Your furnace works harder during the winter than at any other time of the year.

The last thing you want is for it to fail while your home is sitting empty.

Before leaving:

✔ Schedule a furnace service and inspection.

✔ Replace your furnace filter.

✔ Test your thermostat.

✔ Replace thermostat batteries if needed.

✔ Set the temperature no lower than 55°F to help protect your plumbing.

A properly maintained heating system helps prevent frozen pipes and excessive indoor moisture.

3. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Seattle winters bring heavy rain, windstorms, and plenty of falling leaves and evergreen needles.

Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow behind the gutters, damaging fascia boards, siding, and even your foundation.

Before the rainy season begins:

✔ Clean gutters and downspouts.

✔ Remove debris from roof valleys.

✔ Trim tree branches hanging over your roof.

✔ Replace damaged shingles.

✔ Check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents.

A small roof issue discovered in July is much easier—and usually much less expensive—to repair than a major leak discovered during an atmospheric river in December.

Don't Forget About Regular Home Watch Visits

Even the best preparation can't prevent every problem.

Winter storms, power outages, plumbing failures, and unexpected issues can happen when you're hundreds—or even thousands—of miles away.

That's why regular Home Watch visits are so valuable.

At Seattle Area Home Watch Services, we routinely inspect homes throughout the winter, checking for signs of water intrusion, heating problems, storm damage, frozen pipes, and other issues that could become expensive repairs if left unnoticed.

Preparing your home before you leave—and having someone regularly check on it while you're away—is one of the best investments you can make.

Winter may seem far away, but the time to prepare is now.

If you'll be traveling this fall or winter, we'd be happy to discuss a Home Watch plan that's right for your home.

Seattle Area Home Watch Services

We Watch. You Relax.

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