Foreword from Davis:
I wish I wasn't an expert in this field, but after TWO burst pipes and over $300k in freeze insurance claims in the last few years, I've been forced to take winterizing my home seriously. The good news is, you can learn from my mistakes. Without further ado, here is the official Nail & Key guide to protecting your home from the impending winter weather.
1. Locate Your Water Shut-Off Valve
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In freezing weather, burst pipes can cause major damage if water isn’t shut off quickly. Know where your water shut-off valve is located.
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If it’s inside your home, such as in the garage, you’re all set.
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If it’s outside at the curb, make sure the valve box is clear of mud, leaves, and debris. When temperatures drop, that debris can freeze solid, making it nearly impossible to turn off the water in an emergency.
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If you're unable to locate your "homeowner shutoff" in your garage or yard, you'll need to locate the "city shutoff" by the street.
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Pro Tip: Keep a water shut-off tool handy—it can save you valuable time in a crisis!
2. Protect Your Pipes
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Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter weather issues.
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Our favorite product to prevent this is the Freeze Miser. You might still be able to pick up some of these at your hardware store. While pricier, these devices should be far more effective at protecting your outdoor faucets than the traditional styrofoam covers.
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Make sure your indoor faucets are dripping (especially at night). Open cabinets under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes, especially those along exterior walls.
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Bonus points from someone with water-related PTSD (Davis):
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Purchase this product and wrap any exposed water lines in the attic with it.
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You can strategically place some of these leak detectors around at-risk areas.
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This is definitely going above and beyond, but you can rig a wireless meat thermometer to monitor the temperature of your attic and water lines.
3. Prepare Your Emergency Kit
No matter what ERCOT says, recent winter storms in DFW have led to power outages, so having an emergency kit ready is key. Be sure to include:
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Flashlights and fresh batteries
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Candles (plus matches or a lighter—but don’t leave them unattended!)
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Portable charging banks
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Extra blankets
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Bottled water and non-perishable food items
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Bonus Tip: A good fire and your favorite bourbon can help make a powerless night feel a lot more enjoyable!
4. Stock Up on Non-Perishable Food
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A cold-weather storm may mean you’re unable to cook using electricity, so have food on hand that doesn’t require heating. Great options include:
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Granola or protein bars
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Canned soups or stews (heat them on your outdoor grill if needed!)
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Peanut butter, crackers, and jerky
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Ready-to-drink protein shakes
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Having some ready-to-go snacks will make your storm experience more comfortable—and keep "hangry" moods at bay!
5. Propane and Grilling Safety
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If the power is out, outdoor grills are a great option for cooking.
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Make sure your propane tank is full before a storm hits. Never bring a propane grill or heater inside. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly, so keep the cooking outside where it belongs.
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If you are cooking outside, bundle up and keep an eye on the grill to make sure it stays safely away from the house or any flammable surfaces.
6. Check on Your Neighbors
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Winter storms can be especially tough for elderly neighbors or families with small children. After you’ve secured your home, reach out to check on those who might need extra help. A quick text or knock on the door can make a world of difference.
Final Thoughts
If you need recommendations for home repairs or have questions about real estate, don’t hesitate to give us a shout at (972) 916-9646. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to forward on to others.
On behalf of the Nail & Key team, stay warm!
