WA Winterizing Tips: Protect Your Property and Save Money

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, it's time to think about preparing your home and RV for the cold weather.

Whether it's your house or RV—can seem daunting, but it’s a crucial task to prevent costly repairs and keep your living space safe and cozy. Plus, with the right knowledge and a bit of elbow grease, winterizing doesn't have to break the bank.

Preventing Costly Problems Like Frozen Pipes

One of the biggest concerns when the temperature drops is the risk of frozen pipes. In both homes and RVs, water lines are especially vulnerable when exposed to cold weather.

If left unchecked, frozen pipes can burst, causing extensive (and expensive) water damage. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your property and avoid the headaches and costs of repair.

Should You Hire a Professional or Do It Yourself?

When it comes to winterizing, you have two options: hire a professional or tackle it yourself.

Hiring a pro ensures the job is done right and gives you peace of mind. However, the cost of professional services can add up quickly, especially if you need multiple areas winterized, such as your plumbing, HVAC systems, or RV water lines.

There are even mobile services available although they may be more expensive.

If you're on a budget, consider taking on the task yourself. With a little research, you'll find that many winterizing tasks can be done easily by following simple, step-by-step instructions.

YouTube and Google are fantastic resources for how-to articles and videos that guide you through the process, from draining your RV’s water system to protecting pipes in your home.

Key Steps for Winterizing Your Home and RV

For Your Home:
- Insulate Pipes: Wrap any exposed pipes in your attic, basement, or crawl spaces with foam pipe insulation. This prevents freezing and keeps water flowing smoothly.
- Seal Gaps and Drafts: Check around windows, doors, and vents for drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them, which will help retain heat and lower heating bills.
- Protect Your Outdoor Faucets: Shut off and drain any outdoor water sources. Use insulated covers to protect faucets from freezing.
- Service Your Heating System: Change the filters in your furnace or HVAC system and have it checked to ensure it’s working efficiently.
For Your RV:
- Drain the Water System: Completely drain all water lines, including the freshwater tank, and gray and black tanks. This is the most important step to prevent freezing pipes inside your RV.
- Add RV Antifreeze: After draining the system, you’ll need to add RV-specific antifreeze to prevent freezing in your pipes. Make sure to choose non-toxic RV antifreeze, which is safe for drinking water systems. Typically, you'll need around 2-3 gallons depending on your RV size. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when adding antifreeze to your RV's plumbing system.
- Protect External Components: Cover vents and windows with insulated covers or foam. This can help minimize heat loss and protect your RV from extreme weather.

Budget-Friendly Winterizing: How to Save on Professional Costs

While it's tempting to call in an expert, winterizing your home and RV on your own can save you a significant amount of money—especially when you break it down into manageable tasks. Here are a few budget-friendly tips for DIY winterizing:

DIY Insulation: Foam pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. You can find it at most hardware stores.
Use Online Tutorials: Save money by watching YouTube videos or reading how-to articles to guide you step-by-step. Many of these resources are free and offer helpful tips specific to your home or RV.
Buy in Bulk: If you’re winterizing both your home and RV, consider purchasing antifreeze in bulk to save money. Many stores offer discounts for larger quantities.
Rent Equipment: If you don’t want to invest in certain tools, like a pump for draining the water system in your RV, you can often rent equipment for a fraction of the cost.

By taking the time to winterize your home and RV properly, you can prevent costly repairs and avoid unnecessary stress when the cold weather sets in. Whether you choose to hire a professional or tackle the job yourself, the key is to be proactive. Don’t wait for a frozen pipe disaster to remind you that winter is coming—get ahead of the game and enjoy a worry-free winter season.

11 Winter Survival Items You Should Keep in Your Vehicle

Getting stranded in a snowstorm is scary. In the Dakotas, storms can move in fast and weather patterns can shift quickly. To be prepared is a winter necessity and here are 11 items to keep in your vehicle.

Gallery Credit: Amazon.com