Winter in New England can be tough on homes, and while Inaugural Home Improvement specializes in remodeling bathrooms built to last, the rest of your home needs protection too. Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, drafts, and costly damage if you’re not prepared. Since plumbing plays a big role in every bathroom remodel, we know how important it is to keep your home’s water systems running smoothly through the winter.

To help you avoid plumbing issues, energy loss, and unexpected repairs, here are six essential steps to winter-proof your home before the next deep freeze.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

When temperatures drop, unprotected pipes can freeze and burst, causing expensive water damage. Prevent this by:

• Wrapping exposed pipes with pipe insulation, heat tape, or foam sleeves.
•  Paying close attention to pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

2. Keep Your Home Warm

Even if you’re away, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is crucial.

• Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to reach pipes.

3. Let Your Faucets Drip

Standing water in pipes can freeze, but running water helps prevent this.

• On especially cold nights, let both hot and cold faucets drip slightly.
• Focus on faucets connected to pipes that run along exterior walls.

4. Seal Up Drafts

Cold air seeping into your home can increase energy costs and put your plumbing at risk.

• Check for gaps around doors, windows, and where pipes enter the home, and seal them with caulk or insulation.
• Close vents leading to crawl spaces in extreme cold to trap warmth.

5. Protect Outdoor Water Sources

Outdoor hoses and faucets are the first places where freezing damage can occur.

• Disconnect garden hoses and drain the water before storing them for winter.
• Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets, drain any remaining water, and cover them with insulated faucet covers.

6. Know How to Shut Off Your Water

If a pipe bursts, knowing how to act quickly can save you from major damage.

• Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve ahead of time.
• Consider installing a water leak detection system that alerts you to leaks before they become disasters.

Stay Warm and Protected This Winter!

At Inaugural Home Improvement, we take pride in creating bathrooms that are both beautiful and built to last—but we also know that keeping your home’s plumbing in good shape is key to avoiding winter disasters. Taking these simple steps now can help you avoid costly repairs and unexpected emergencies when temperatures drop.

Need help upgrading your bathroom with durable, water-efficient solutions? Contact us today!