Knowing where your main shut-off valve is can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.

Where to Look

• Basement or crawl space near the foundation

• Utility room

• Near the water heater

• Outside near the street (in some cases)

How to Identify It

• Usually a round wheel handle or lever-style valve

• Located on the main water line entering the home

How to Shut Off the Water

1. Turn the valve clockwise (for wheel handles)

2. Turn lever valves perpendicular to the pipe

3. Test a faucet to confirm water flow has stopped

Important Tips

• Label the valve once found

• Make sure all household members know its location

• Do not force a stuck valve—this can cause it to break

Call a professional if: the valve won’t turn, leaks after use, or hasn’t been operated in years.

Leaving hoses attached during winter is one of the most common causes of frozen pipes.

Why This Matters

Water trapped inside hoses or outdoor faucets can freeze, expand, and push back into interior plumbing—causing pipes to burst inside walls.

Steps

1. Disconnect all outdoor hoses
   Remove hoses completely from spigots.

2. Drain the hoses
   Hold one end up and let all water run out. Store hoses indoors if possible.

3. Shut off interior supply valves (if available)
   Some homes have interior shutoff valves for outdoor faucets.

4. Open the outdoor faucet briefly
   This allows any remaining water to drain out.

5. Install faucet covers
   Insulated covers add an extra layer of protection

Exposed pipes are most commonly found in crawl spaces, basements, garages, and along exterior walls. These pipes are especially vulnerable during prolonged cold snaps.

What You’ll Need

• Foam pipe insulation sleeves (available at hardware stores)

• Utility knife or scissors

• Duct tape or zip ties (if needed)

Steps

1. Locate exposed pipes
   Look for pipes in unheated areas, especially near exterior walls or vents.

2. Measure the pipe length
   Cut insulation sleeves to match the length of pipe you need to cover.

3. Install the insulation
   Open the slit in the foam sleeve and fit it snugly around the pipe.

4. Seal seams and joints
   Use tape or zip ties at joints, elbows, and ends to prevent cold air gaps.

5. Check annually
   Replace insulation that is cracked, wet, or missing sections.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving gaps near elbows or valves

• Insulating pipes that already show signs of leaking

• Using insulation that is too loose

Regular furnace maintenance improves performance and extends the life of the system.

What You’ll Need

• Replacement furnace filter (correct size)

• Vacuum or soft brush

• Flashlight

Steps

1. Replace the furnace filter regularly
   Most filters should be changed every 1–3 months during heavy use. A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces the system to work harder.

2. Inspect vents and registers
   Make sure all vents are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains.

3. Keep the furnace area clear
   Maintain at least three feet of clearance around the furnace. Do not store boxes, paint, or cleaning supplies nearby.

4. Listen for unusual sounds
   Rattling, banging, or whistling noises can indicate loose components or airflow problems.

5. Schedule annual professional servicing
   A trained technician can identify wear, clean internal components, and ensure safe operation.

Call a professional if: your furnace cycles frequently, struggles to heat evenly, or shuts off unexpectedly.

Space heaters can provide temporary warmth but must be used with caution.

Safety Guidelines

1. Use only modern, safety-rated heaters
   Choose units with automatic shutoff and tip-over protection.

2. Place heaters on a flat, stable surface
   Never use them on beds, furniture, or uneven flooring.

3. Maintain safe clearance
   Keep heaters at least three feet away from curtains, furniture, and bedding.

4. Never leave heaters unattended
   Turn them off before leaving the room or going to sleep.

5. Plug directly into wall outlets
   Avoid extension cords or power strips, which can overheat.

Call a professional if: you rely heavily on space heaters due to inadequate heating—this may signal a larger system issue.

Small adjustments can reduce strain on your heating system and lower energy use.

Steps

1. Seal drafts around doors and windows
   Use weather stripping or door sweeps to keep warm air inside.

2. Keep interior doors open
   This allows warm air to circulate evenly throughout the home.

3. Set thermostats consistently
   Avoid frequent temperature changes, which force the furnace to work harder.

4. Use ceiling fans on low (clockwise)
   This helps push warm air back down into living spaces.

Call a professional if: some rooms remain cold despite adjustments or heating bills increase suddenly.

• Burning or musty odors

• Uneven heating throughout the home

• Short cycling (turning on and off frequently)

• Rising energy bills without explanation

Early attention can prevent mid-winter breakdowns.

What You’ll Need

• Entryway mats (preferably absorbent)

• Towels or small rugs

• Mild floor cleaner

• Optional: carpet-safe absorbent powder for wet spots

Steps

1. Place mats at every entrance
   Encourage everyone to wipe shoes or boots before entering. Two layers, one outside and one inside work best.

2. Remove wet footwear promptly
   Keep a designated boot tray or towel at each entryway to avoid puddles on hard surfaces or carpets.

3. Clean spills immediately
   Snow or melted water can carry dirt and salt, which can stain or damage carpet fibers. Blot spills with a clean towel and dry thoroughly.

4. Avoid over-wetting carpets during winter cleaning
   Excess water can seep to the padding, creating hidden mold or mildew.

5. Regular vacuuming
   High-traffic areas may require more frequent vacuuming to remove dirt, sand, and salt.

6. For hardwood or laminate floors 

wipe with a slightly damp mop and dry immediately to prevent warping. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using harsh chemical cleaners that strip protective coatings

• Walking across wet carpets without blotting first

• Letting moisture sit overnight or longer

Call a professional if: carpets smell musty, show persistent dampness, or have visible water damage. Early intervention reduces repair costs and prevents mold growth.

What You’ll Need

• Binoculars (for safe viewing from the ground)

• Flashlight (for attic inspection)

• Ladder (only if confident and safe)

Steps

1. Inspect from the ground first
   Use binoculars to check for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Look for signs of ice buildup along roof edges.

2. Check gutters and downspouts
   Clear leaves and debris to ensure melting snow can flow freely. Blocked gutters contribute to ice dams.

3. Look for roof leaks in the attic
   Use a flashlight to check for water stains, damp insulation, or mold.

Call a professional if: shingles are missing, leaks are present, or you’re uncomfortable using a ladder.

Ice dams occur when heat escapes from the attic, melts snow on the roof, and refreezes at the edges, forcing water under shingles.

Steps to Reduce Ice Dam Risk

1. Ensure proper attic insulation
   Adequate insulation keeps heat from escaping and melting roof snow unevenly.

2. Improve attic ventilation
   Ventilation allows cold air to circulate and keeps roof surfaces closer to outdoor temperatures.

3. Keep gutters clear
   Clean gutters and downspouts prevent water from backing up behind ice dams.

4. Remove snow safely
   Use a roof rake from the ground to gently remove excess snow near edges.

Call a professional if: ice dams persist, or you notice water leaking into your home.

Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to prevent drafts

Inspect exterior walls and foundation for damage or moisture entry

Trim tree branches away from the house to prevent damage from snow and ice

Check outdoor faucets (see Plumbing section)