Is your home or vacation property ready for winter?

If you have recently moved into a new home, have previously had problems with freezing pipes, or if you are planning a winter vacation at the summer cabin, then you’ll need to make some preparations. 

Make sure your winter memories are happy ones by planning to winterize your plumbing and keep ice and snow at bay. Here are some tips to get your buildings ready for the changing season! 

Prepare Your Vehicle 

If you will be traveling to a cabin for a winter getaway, the last thing you want is to get stuck in the snow. Ensure your vehicle is ready to go:

• Install winter tires and/or pack snow chains
• Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures (including the spare tire!) 
• Bring a heavy-duty, weather-resistant extension cord to power your block heater 
• Pack a small folding shovel in case you need to dig yourself out of a snowbank 
• Pack extra blankets, food and water in case you get stuck or delayed along the way 

Bring Critical Tools and Supplies 

For winter getaways, there are several items that can help you to be prepared for winter challenges:

• Firewood and/or other fuel sources for heating  
• Snow shovel 
• Axe (for firewood but also to cut ice out of the lake in the event you need drinking water) 
• Flashlights and other emergency light sources in case of a power outage 
• Extra batteries 
• Snow suits, mittens, etc. 
• Sleds, cross-country skis, snowshoes, etc. 

Prepare the Building for Cold Winter Weather

• Ensure the heating system is functioning properly 
• Check windows and doors for drafts and fix any issues with weather stripping and/or caulking. Consider storm doors or upgraded windows if necessary. 
• Address any dead or dying trees that could be at risk of falling in heavy ice or snow. 

Don’t Let Frozen Pipes Ruin Your Winter Vacation 

Many buildings are not designed for extreme winter weather, but changing climate is making extreme weather events more likely. Exposed pipes and under-insulated basements can cause unexpected problems when the mercury drops.  

The good news is, there are many DIY products that can make efforts to winterize your plumbing easier than ever. These preventative measures are much easier and much less costly than repairs related to frozen and burst pipes.

nVent RAYCHEM FrostGuard products are available in plug-and-play 120-Volt configurations that any DIY-er can easily use to keep the water flowing. This option also comes with added benefits, including:  

• Easy installation: These kits come pre-assembled so there is no need to work with an electrician to get it set up at your cabin  
• Energy-efficient: Self-regulating heating cables mean that your system will never overheat (even when overlapped), and run only when the ambient temperature calls for it  
• Reliable: nVent RAYCHEM FrostGuard products come with a two-year warranty and are relatively maintenance-free after installation  

It’s not only pipe freeze protection that nVent RAYCHEM FrostGuard products are designed for. You can also use this system to protect your roofs and gutters.  

Winterize Your Plumbing Before You Head Home 

This is particularly important if you’re at a cottage for winter vacation and you will not be returning until the spring. Turn off the water supply to the building and to any external hose bibs. Open spigots and taps to drain the system. Empty toilets and consider using eco-friendly RV antifreeze to prevent water from freezing in let any traps or s-bends in drain lines. 

Before the weather turns, make sure your buildings are ready to keep your family safe and comfortable this winter.

Learn more about nVent RAYCHEM FrostGuard solutions, use our easy Where to Buy locator and find a nVent RAYCHEM distributor near you.