When leaving your home for an extended period during the winter, it’s important to prepare it properly to avoid potential damage. Winterizing your home can help protect against issues like frozen pipes, water damage and costly repairs.
Follow these steps to help ensure your house remains safe and sound while you’re away.
Key takeaways
- Shutting off the water supply and insulating pipes can prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs during your absence
- Enlist help managing snow removal, monitoring heating systems and maintaining your home’s safety while you're away
- Use technology like water leak detectors, smart thermostats and security cameras to monitor your home remotely and prevent property damage
Prepare your home’s heating system
Before you leave, check your heating system to prevent any issues during the cold weather.
Ensure your furnace is operating properly by scheduling a professional inspection and replacing air filters. If you have a gas fireplace, turn your gas line off to prevent gas leaks or other gas-related incidents.
A smart thermostat can also be a valuable tool. It allows you to monitor and adjust settings remotely, which can be particularly useful if unexpected power surges or other issues occur.
Protect your plumbing
One of the most important steps in winterizing your home is protecting your plumbing systems. Frozen pipes can quickly become burst pipes, which may cause significant water damage.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Insulate pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape on exposed pipes. Pay special attention to water pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces and outdoor faucets.
- Shut off the water supply: Turn off the water valve (mains) to prevent leaks while you’re away. Open all the faucets and flush all the toilets to drain the remaining water from pipes and toilet tanks.
- Empty the pipes thoroughly: Run all your taps inside and outside to ensure the pipes are emptied. For added security, consider hiring a professional who can assist or show you how to ensure your pipes are free of water that could potentially freeze.
- Water heater: For extra precaution, consider draining your electric water heater. This step can help prevent any issues related to freezing temperatures.
- Leave cabinet doors open: Open the doors to cabinets in your kitchen, bathroom or any other areas that house pipes. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes, helping to prevent freezing.
If you have a sprinkler system or washing machines, make sure to drain and winterize them as well. For additional protection, a licensed plumber can offer advice tailored to your home’s plumbing system.
Secure your home
Even though you’re away, maintaining security is important. Here are some ways to keep your vacant property secure:
- Install security cameras: Set up security cameras to monitor your home remotely.
- Weather stripping and locks: Check weather stripping around doors and windows to ensure they are properly sealed. Make sure all entry points are locked securely.
- Simulate occupancy: Use timers or smart plugs to control lights, creating the appearance that someone is home.
- Activate your alarm: Make sure your home security system is working properly and engaged when you leave. Have a monitoring service to manage the situation if the alarm goes off in your absence.
Prepare for snow and ice
As all Canadians know, winter weather can be harsh. So, it’s essential to be ready for snow and ice:
- Clear roof and gutters: Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams that can cause water damage.
- Arrange for snow removal: Hire a snow removal service to clear snow and ice from driveways and walkways regularly. This helps prevent accidents and keeps your property accessible.
- Maintain snow removal equipment: If you have a service provider or a neighbour assisting with snow removal, ensure they have the necessary equipment and supplies, such as snow shovels and blowers, in good working condition.
Other safety measures for extended absences
Taking additional safety measures can help protect your home while you’re gone:
- Notify a trusted neighbour: Arrange for someone to check on your home periodically. Provide them with a list of emergency contacts and instructions.
- Manage your mail: Remember to notify the post office to pause your mail delivery while you're away, or ask a trusted neighbour to collect it during your absence.
- Unplug appliances: Unplugging appliances like microwave ovens can prevent potential fire hazards and save energy.
- Empty your fridge and cabinets. To avoid growing mould and attracting critters, dispose of food that will spoil or open food.
- Review your insurance coverage: Ensure your home insurance policy covers any issues that might arise during your absence.
Pro-tip: if your home is insured, there may be additional requirements for policyholders to meet to maintain coverage when leaving their insured properties for an extended period. Be sure to check with your insurance representative to confirm that you meet these additional requirements before leaving your home.
Gizmos and gadgets: Eight devices to help protect your home
There’s almost always an app for that (or a tool or gadget).
Consider investing in devices and home technology that can provide extra protection for your home while you’re away:
- Water leak detector: A smart leak detector can detect water, moisture or high humidity and alert you immediately via an app. Place the sensor in hard-to-reach areas like laundry rooms or basements.
- Water monitor and shutoff device: This device monitors leaks, water pressure and flow rate and can shut off your water supply remotely if necessary.
- Sump pump with backup battery: A sump pump can help prevent flooding in your basement by directing water away from your foundation. A backup battery ensures it continues to operate during electric power outages. Also – be sure to check as some insurers may even offer incentives to install a water backup or flood mitigation device in your home that could help offset the cost.
- Smart thermostat: Maintain a consistent temperature to prevent frozen pipes. Many smart thermostats allow remote control through an app.
- Backup generator: A generator ensures your home maintains power during outages, reducing the risk of temperature drops that could lead to frozen pipes.
- Smart fire alarm/smoke detector: These devices alert you to smoke or fire via an app, even when you’re not home and have longer battery life.
- Monitored security alarm: A monitored security system can deter burglars and alert authorities immediately. Many systems include motion detectors and remote monitoring via an app.
- Sewer back-up valve: This valve prevents sewage from flowing back into your home. It’s important for managing increased precipitation and snowmelt.
Additional considerations
- Document your home’s condition: Take photos of your property and valuable items for insurance purposes. This can be helpful in case of property damage.
- Check insurance coverage for water leaks: It’s wise to review how to prevent water leaks and ensure you’re protected. Learn more about preventing water leaks.
- Maintain a home inventory: Keeping an up-to-date home inventory is helpful for managing claims and ensuring adequate coverage. Learn why a home inventory may be the best gift of all.
Of course, you can tailor this list to fit your property, needs and the duration of your absence. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your home remains safe and in good condition while you enjoy your time away. For more tips on home maintenance, consider reading this fall home tending guide.
