12/07/2025
It looks like winter is upon us. As we get into colder weather (by colder I mean in the 20’s or lower), please take the time to prepare your home. This preparation can help avoid costly expenses.
This is not an exhaustive list, but these items are some of the easiest to take care of, yet they have greater potential to cause damage.
- Remove/disconnect any hose from your outdoor spigot.
- Shut water off to unheated areas. Maybe you have a laundry room or utility sink in your garage. Maybe an outdoor kitchen.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Even though you typically can’t see the water pipes going into a tankless water heater, they are still exposed to the freezing temperatures. Also, well pump pipes (maybe consider a heat lamp in the pump house).
- If water pipes are also exposed to getting wet from snow/rain, the insulation wrap must be kept dry. Use a trash bag or something with better water repellency than a grocery bag.
- Purchase and install frost protection covers for your hose spigots. These easily install once the hose is removed.
- If you use propane to heat your home, ensure you have a sufficient amount in your tank. Please don’t make the person with the propane company have to come out after hours, in freezing temperatures, to fill your tank.
- I would assume by now that if you have an irrigation system, it is off. If not, prepare accordingly.
- If you haven’t had your HVAC serviced recently, now would be a good time to have it checked out by a reputable company.
- Clear gutters of debris. Clogged gutters can be damaging to a home due to water backup. Frozen water in gutters can be dangerous.
- Finally, and just as important, please bring in any animals or pets when we experience harsh weather.
If you need assistance with preventative measures or fixing damage, here is a list of recommended sources:
Plumbing: Freedom Plumbing +1 (803) 447-9098
HVAC: Richardson’s (803) 345-5221
Handyman: Mr.Handy (803) 497-0436
Disaster Restoration: Rytech of the Midlands (803) 977-3772
Gutters: The Guttermen (803) 791-7147