PNW Tips
Winterize Your Rental Before the First Freeze
Freeze damage is expensive and preventable. Each fall, insulate exposed pipes, cover outdoor faucets, clean gutters and service the heating system. Then send tenants a short winter reminder: keep the heat on, drip faucets during hard freezes and report problems quickly.
Why this helps
A frozen pipe costs far more than a pipe cover and a friendly note. When the people living there know to keep the heat on and call quickly, they become your best helpers.
Do this
- Each fall, insulate the pipes that are exposed. It's a simple job that pays you back.
- Cover the outdoor faucets. Those are the easiest ones to forget.
- Clean the gutters and service the heating system. A ready home is a calmer home.
- Send a short reminder: keep the heat on, let a faucet drip during a hard freeze, and report problems quickly. A short note is easy to read and easy to remember.
Next step
Pick a day this fall for your checklist, and send the reminder that same week. Your renters will appreciate the heads up!