5. Shut off and drain the water
Turn off the main water supply. Then, work your way around the house, starting with the lowest faucet and opening it up. Turn on every shower, sink, or faucet. And don’t forget to drain outdoor hoses and appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers. Flush toilets a few times to completely empty all water out of the bowl and tank.
Every home is plumbed differently and your summer home may require more steps beyond these basics, David adds. Consider calling in a professional plumber to help you protect your pipes in the winter.
If you rent through Vacasa, we’ll work with local plumbers to take the necessary precautions specific to your home.
6. Check the roof
Climb up to examine for raised shingles, which could mean the attic is not adequately ventilated or the shingles were improperly installed. Plus, strong winds could also lift up the shingle completely, exposing your roof to leaks. Check underneath your eaves for pests seeking a warm refuge and building nests. Also peek under the chimney, close the flue and damper, then place a cap on the top to prevent animals (and cold air) from coming in.
7. Clear your gutters
An often overlooked task, cleaning out your gutters is actually pretty vital for seasonal maintenance, David says. This ensures that melting ice and snow flow freely away from your home, instead of draining into your ceilings and walls. Top off the gutters with screens to stop pine needles, falling leaves, and other debris from falling in while you’re away.
8. Clean out your pantry and kitchen cabinets
Leaving food behind can attract rodents, the same culprits behind damaged electric wiring. So, it’s crucial to clear out your pantry or at least store non-perishables in air-tight containers. Thoroughly wipe down the kitchen counters and pantry shelves so no crumbs are left behind.
9. Protect outdoor furniture and amenities
“Your outdoor items deserve as much protection from winter’s harsh elements as your home’s interiors,” David advises. Wrap and cover furniture with waterproof tarps, or let your deck chairs hibernate for the winter by bringing them inside. Severe winter storms can easily pick up and dislodge even sturdy outdoor furniture or heavy barbecue grills. If your area is susceptible to storms, clear out and store all items that can easily become projectiles. Vacasa handles both protecting and storing items for all of our vacation homes.
10. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your vacation rental
Even after doing everything right, things can still go amiss. For instance, power outages could shut down your thermostat, leaving your pipes vulnerable to freezing, or loose tree branches could crash through a window. Recruit a neighbor to periodically drop by your vacation home in case of any emergencies.
Even better, hire a property manager to check on your home. Vacasa has staff that live and work near all of our vacation rentals. “Our local team keeps watch over all of our rentals in the area, especially after severe weather events, such as heavy snows and deep freezes,” David explains.
“You should also have snow removal contractors lined up in case of extremely heavy snow on your rooftops, decks, and balconies. When you rent your home through Vacasa, we’ll arrange that work for you.”
