After a long day at work, the last thing anyone expects is to come home to a burst pipe. Unfortunately, I learned this lesson firsthand. A non-winterized hose bibb beneath my crawl space still held water from the warmer months. When temperatures suddenly dropped, the pipe froze and burst—an experience I won’t soon forget. Although I carried a home warranty with plumbing coverage, the pipe’s location outside my basement wall meant the repair wasn’t included.
What frustrated me most was realizing I had overlooked the very seasonal maintenance tips I regularly share with my first-time homebuyers. Preventative care—both inside and outside the home—is essential. Whether it’s an uninsulated exterior pipe, clogged gutters, or missing shingles, small issues can quickly turn into costly repairs. Your home’s condition directly influences its value, and routine upkeep is one of the best investments you can make.
One of the beauties of living in the Northeast is the experience of all four seasons in their true inherent nature.As winter settles in with colder temperatures and shorter days, now is the ideal time to prepare your home. Better Homes & Gardens offers excellent monthly and seasonal maintenance guides, but at minimum, consider these essential winter tips:
Winter Home Maintenance Essentials
Cover window air-conditioning units. If your units remain installed, cover them to protect the equipment and reduce cold drafts.
Inspect your roof, gutters, and downspouts. In Pennsylvania, winter weather can strain these components. Mid-winter repairs often cost significantly more, so early attention pays off.
Clean bathroom exhaust fan grills. If your bathroom relies on a window instead, be mindful of ventilation to prevent mold from forming after steamy showers.
Seal drafty windows and doors. Even if replacements aren’t in the budget, sealing gaps will help lower heating costs and improve indoor comfort.
Avoid rock salt. For the safety of pets, plants, concrete, and flooring—please skip rock salt. Opt for pet-safe ice melt, sand, or other sodium-chloride-free alternatives.
Insulate exposed pipes. Proper insulation is one of the simplest ways to prevent frozen or burst pipes during extreme cold.
There are many other upkeep tasks you may choose to tackle this season, and I encourage you to complete as many as your schedule and budget allow. Hiring a handyman for routine maintenance often costs far less than addressing major repairs later.
A well-maintained home not only retains its value—it protects your comfort, your budget, and your peace of mind all season long.
Nia Mullins is a resident of Lansdale Borough, Montgomery County, a parent, and a licensed REALTOR© with Realty One Group Restore
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