Winter Is Coming… And Your Home Isn’t Ready!
As temperatures drop across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, your home faces serious risks from freezing plumbing, heavy snow, poor insulation, and hidden water damage. What looks like a normal winter day could lead to a burst pipe, flooded basement, or costly repairs if your home isn’t prepared.
Don’t wait for a disaster. Here are the most important areas every homeowner should address before freezing temperatures arrive, and how Principal Property Solutions can help.
1. Winterize Outdoor Spigots to Prevent Burst Pipes
Frozen plumbing is one of the most expensive and common winter emergencies.
What to do:
Disconnect hoses
Turn off interior shut-off valves
Insulate spigot heads
A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage behind walls and in finished basements.
2. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Energy Efficiency
Air leaks around windows and doors force your heating system to overwork.
Simple upgrades:
Weatherstripping on doors
Caulking window gaps
Attic hatch insulation
This small investment can reduce energy bills all winter long.
3. Clean Gutters to Prevent Ice Dams and Roof Leaks
Clogged gutters trap melting snow, forcing water under shingles and into the attic.
PPS can safely clear debris and ensure proper drainage before the first snow.
4. Check and Clean Dryer Vents
Winter increases dryer usage and decreases ventilation, raising the risk of:
Fire hazards from lint buildup
Cold air entering through broken exterior vent flaps
Annual cleaning is recommended — especially before winter.
5. Prepare Your Water Heater for Cold Weather
Hot water supply can drop dramatically in cold months.
Best practices:
Flush sediment buildup
Insulate the tank and surrounding pipes
Ensure proper electrical or gas performance
We can handle inspection and upgrades to keep showers hot all winter.
6. Winterize Outdoor Kitchens and Grill Stations
Any water or plumbing lines outside need proper:
Shut-off and drainage
Weather protection
Protective covers
Prevent cracked pipes and ruined cabinets in the spring.
7. Protect Unheated Areas From Frozen Pipes
Garages, basements, attics, and crawl spaces are high-risk zones.
Solutions include:
Foam insulation
Heat tape for exposed plumbing
Proper vapor barriers
These upgrades pay for themselves by preventing water damage.
8. Test Your Sump Pump Before Snow Melt Season
A failed sump pump often isn’t noticed until melting snow floods a basement.
Recommended:
Test full pump cycle
Clear debris
Install backup power options
9. Improve Walkway and Handrail Safety
Winter increases slip hazards.
Consider:
Non-slip walkway treatments
Rail support checks
Bright exterior lighting
Protects both your family and visitors.
10. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans for Winter
Most fans have a switch to run clockwise, pushing warm air down from the ceiling.
This saves energy and makes the home feel warmer.
11. Inspect Chimneys and Fireplaces
Before the first fire of the season, ensure:
The flue opens and closes properly
No soot or debris block the chimney
Mantles and surroundings meet safety clearance
Fireplace issues are among the most preventable winter emergencies.
12. Check Garage Door Weatherstripping
A failing seal allows freezing air to enter, which can freeze hidden pipes inside walls and floors.
We can replace worn seals and improve insulation around the door.
Don’t Wait Until Something Breaks
Taking action now is far more affordable than repairing damage later.
Principal Property Solutions offers winterization services throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania — protecting your home from avoidable winter damage.
Book Winter Protection With PPS
Call: 609-904-3338
WhatsApp: 609-690-0828
Email: charlesmcgill@ppsgroupnj.com
Online Request: www.ppsgroupnj.com/work-request
Licensed • Insured • Bonded • Home Depot Pro Referral Approved
Serving All NJ & Eastern PA
