Colorado homeowners know firsthand that soft, powdery snowfall can quickly shift to heavy accumulations, ice storms, and dangerously low temperatures. Extreme winter weather conditions like these can wreak unexpected havoc on your home. That’s why it’s essential to take precautions before deep freezes, and harsh weather strikes to minimize potential damage. Follow this severe weather protection and survival guide from the pros at Doctor Fix-It to get started.

Doctor Fix-It’s licensed technicians are ready to help you complete essential items on your Colorado winterizing checklist to make sure you’re prepared when the cold winds blow. Call them today at 303-993-1550 to leverage affordable, expert assistance in getting your home ready inside and out.

Meanwhile, follow this handy winter protection and survival guide to get started.

Indoor Winterizing Tips

Freezing temps and severe winter weather can damage your pipes and cause them to burst if you’re unprepared. The hard, corrosive water in Colorado can also cause the plumbing system to prematurely break down. No one wants to be without running water. To help prevent complicated, costly repairs, follow these indoor winterizing tips.

Inspect Pipes for Leaks or Cracks

Look for any visible signs of corrosion, wear, leaks, or cracks on household pipes, and have any concerns repaired as soon as possible—before temperatures fall below freezing.

Open Hot and Cold Faucets to Allow a Slow Drip

When temperatures drop to sub-freezing levels, turn both the hot and cold faucets on and let them drip slowly to keep the water moving and help keep pipes from bursting.

Keep Indoor Temperatures Above 65 Degrees

Pipes run inside the walls, and this hidden space is a lot colder than the walls that form each room. To prevent freezing, be sure to keep your thermostat set above 65 degrees.

Locate Your Home’s Main Water Shutoff Valve

It’s a good idea to locate the main water shutoff valve for your home and take note of it before cold weather strikes. You should also learn how to use it in case you need to turn the water off if the pipes freeze. Once you do this, call a professional to address the issue.

Inspect Home Heating Devices to Ensure They Are Functioning Correctly

It’s important to inspect all your home’s heating devices, such as the fireplace, electric heater, or wood stove ahead of falling temperatures. Ensure everything is working properly to guarantee your comfort and safety during the winter months and to help protect the pipes. Never place combustible items near a heat source or open flame—doing so is a fire hazard.

Keep the Fireplace Flue Closed When Not in Use

Keeping the fireplace flue closed in winter when you’re not using it helps keep cold air out.

Beef Up Insulation in the Basement, Crawl Space, Attic, and Garage

Add some extra freeze protection by beefing up the insulation in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, or other unfinished spaces that house pipes.

Consider Installing an In-home Generator or Other Backup Power Source

Ice storms and chilling winter winds can cause unexpected power loss. Consider installing an in-home generator or another backup power source to keep your home warm and your pipes from freezing during a winter storm-induced power outage.

Outdoor Winterizing Tips

There are several essential steps to winterize your home outdoors and help protect your pipes.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses from Spigots

It’s important to disconnect any outdoor hoses from spigots and drain the spigots before frost hits. If you don’t, water that’s trapped within it will expand as it freezes, which can cause pipes to burst.

Turn Off Sprinkler Systems and Blow Water Out of the Lines with Compressed Air

Before winter arrives, make sure to turn off the sprinkler system and blow out any water trapped in the lines with compressed air—something you may want to hire a professional to handle. Doing so will help prevent water from freezing and expanding in the lines which can damage the system and possibly the pipes and valves.

Drain Outdoor Fountains

You should also drain water out of any outdoor features, such as an outdoor water fountain. Failing to do so can damage internal parts if the water stays trapped, freezes, and expands.

Clean Gutters to Prevent Ice Dams

Clean leaves and other debris out of your gutters to help prevent ice dams from forming. Ice dams restrict water flow, and the buildup may cause water to seep down into your house and cause a host of costly repairs.

When in Doubt, Call Doctor Fix-It

When in doubt about a procedure, or if you identify items that need repair, it’s best to contact the pros. Doctor Fix-It’s team of knowledgeable, trained experts are ready and able to address all your home’s winter prep needs. Contact your Denver-area Doctor Fix-It location at 303-993-1550 to schedule an appointment today!