How I Prep for Winter Storms (and My Free Freeze Protection Checklist)

How I Prep for Winter Storms (and My Free Freeze Protection Checklist)

A major winter storm is heading across much of the country, bringing ice, heavy snow, and dangerously low temperatures. For many homeowners and landlords, that means a familiar—and costly—threat: frozen or burst pipes.

I’m preparing for this storm today, and I wanted to share the exact steps I take to protect homes (especially older properties). Most of these actions are simple, inexpensive, and can save thousands of dollars in damage.

To make it easy for you, I’ve put it all into a Freezing Weather Checklist PDF that you can download, print, or text to tenants and property managers.

Download your Freezing Weather Checklist here:

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Why a Freeze Checklist Matters

When temperatures plunge into the teens or single digits, the most vulnerable systems in a home are the plumbing lines. Water expands as it freezes, and that expansion can crack pipes, leading to:

• Water damage inside walls and ceilings
• Burst supply lines under sinks
• Frozen outdoor faucets
• Leaks in crawl spaces
• Costly emergency repairs

This risk is even higher in older homes, homes with exterior plumbing runs, and properties without modern insulation.

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My Personal Winter Storm Prep Routine

Here are the steps I take in advance of any serious freeze:

1. Keep the Heat On (Don’t Turn It Down)

It may be tempting to save on energy costs, but lowering the thermostat during a hard freeze is the quickest way to invite frozen pipes. I keep the heat set no lower than 65°F, and 70°F if possible.

2. Let the Faucets Drip

A slow drip keeps water moving and reduces the chance of freezing. I open both hot and cold at every sink and tub.

3. Open Cabinets Where Pipes Run

Warm air circulation is one of the best defenses. That means leaving cabinet doors open where plumbing is located—especially on exterior walls.

4. Disconnect Hoses and Protect Exterior Faucets

Hoses trap water and can cause freezing back into the plumbing. I remove hoses and install inexpensive faucet covers on all outdoor spigots.

5. Know Where Your Shutoff Is

For every property I manage, I make sure everyone knows where the main water shutoff is located. If a pipe does freeze and then break, the faster you shut it off, the less damage it causes.

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Landlords: Use This With Your Tenants

Most tenants want to help protect the property—they just don’t always know what actions matter most. That’s why this checklist is perfect to send ahead of a winter storm.

Here’s a simple text/email you can copy/paste:

Tenant Winter Freeze Prep Reminder:
Please follow the Freezing Weather Checklist today. Keep heat set to at least 65–70°F, let faucets drip, open cabinets under sinks, disconnect hoses, and cover exterior faucets. If you have any leaks or water stops flowing, notify us immediately.

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Download the Free Checklist

This one-page PDF covers the exact actions I use whether I’m prepping my own home or a rental property. It’s simple, clear, and printable.

👉 Freezing Weather Checklist

Print it. Pin it to your fridge. Send it to tenants today.

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Final Thoughts

Winter weather can be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Most freeze-related damage is preventable with a few proactive steps.

Please download the checklist, share it with anyone who might need it, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about preparing your property.

Stay safe and prepared.

— Tim Herriage, Real Investing for Everyday Investors
www.TimHerriage.com