Home Tips

Prepare for Snow Before it Arrives

Winter is on its way, and a little planning can save you from scrambling during the first snowfall Preparing now means you’ll be ready to tackle whatever winter has in store. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you're set.


Stock Up on Salt
De-icing salt or ice melt is essential for keeping walkways safe. Stock up early, as stores can run low once winter hits. Choose the right kind of salt for your surfaces, and if you have pets, consider a pet-safe variety to protect their paws.


Inspect Your Shovels
Shovels are the frontline defense against snow accumulation, so make sure they’re in good shape. Check for cracks or warping, and consider replacing any broken ones. Having a sturdy shovel will make clearing snow easier and reduce the risk of injury.

Service Your Snowblower
If you have a snowblower, don’t wait until the first storm to find out it won’t start. Take time now to service it: change the oil, check the spark plug, and make sure it’s fueled up. Running it briefly before winter sets in can help confirm it’s ready to go.


Preparing ahead for winter helps keep your home safe, accessible, and easy to manage when snow arrives. Taking these simple steps now will save time and hassle later on, so you can enjoy winter without the stress!

Turn Off and Drain Your Outdoor Faucets Before Winter

Avoid potential major damage to your plumbing system or even the structure of your home, by ensuring you turn off and drain all outdoor faucets - including those in your garage - before winter arrives. Water left in pipes can freeze and expand, resulting in cracked or burst pipes. 


Steps to Turn Off Outdoor Faucets

1. Locate the Shut-Off Valve -  Find the indoor shut-off valve that controls water flow to your outdoor faucets. It’s typically located in the basement or crawl space, near the point where the pipe leading outside exits the home. 

 2. Turn Off the Water - Close the shut-off valve by turning it clockwise until it is fully tight.
   
3. Drain the Faucet - Once the valve is closed, open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water in the pipe and leave it open for the winter. This step is important to ensure that no water is left in the pipe to freeze. 
   
4. Disconnect Hoses - If you have hoses connected to the faucet, be sure to disconnect and store them to prevent any water left in the hose from freezing and backing up into the faucet.

5. Install a Faucet Cover (Optional) - To add an extra layer of protection, you can install an insulated faucet cover, which helps prevent freezing during extremely cold weather.