Winter Prep Tips For Your Property

The school year is in full swing, the holidays are right around the corner, and the weather outside is getting a little frightful! It’s hard to believe, but winter is upon us, and with it comes freezing temperatures. Winterizing your property is crucial to prevent bursting pipes, carbon monoxide exposure, and power outages. 

Protect your tenants and your property from frozen pipes, carbon monoxide poisoning, or loss of power with these quick winter prep tips, which we sent out as a letter to our property owners. Just another way that CJL helps landlords get the most from their investment!

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Did you know that when water freezes, it expands by about 9%? The expansion causes pressure to the pipes, which can lead to cracking or bursting. Even a mere 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing significant damage. 

Here are some ways to prevent frozen pipes: 

  • Leave the thermostat on a heat setting of 60℉ at a minimum, especially during a cold snap. Verify that the heat is operating!

  • Keep the kitchen sink cabinet and bath vanity doors open during frigid days to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.

  • If there is a history of frozen pipes at your property, keep the hot & cold water running at a very slow trickle in both the kitchen and bathrooms (sinks and shower/tubs) when the temperatures fall below 10℉. This is especially important for pipes that are on an outside wall.

  • If you are away, please let a friend or relative know, and provide them a key to monitor your unit/property and run the water for a short time during each visit.

  • Check that all windows/doors are closed to prevent loss of heat.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal, or other fuel sources found in your home and outside of it. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can accumulate to dangerous levels. Here are some simple ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: 

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors! Put one in the hallway near each sleeping area. Check the batteries at least twice a year. 

  • If you are in a property with an exterior exhaust vent, such as the heating and/or dryer vents, be sure that snowdrifts are not covering the vent.

  • Generators should not be used in the interior or the exterior of the property.

  • Keep all fuel-burning appliances and engines adequately vented, including space heaters, cooking ranges, grills, fireplaces, etc. 

Power Outages

When the weather report predicts any type of storm, it’s time to prepare for the possibility of an electrical outage. Most cold-season power outages happen due to freezing rain and high winds that damage power lines and equipment, which you, unfortunately, can’t prevent.

If you experience a complete power outage, especially after a storm, please call your Electrical Company. You can report a new outage or get a status update from them. You can also take these steps to prevent further damage: 

  • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

  • Use a generator outdoors and away from windows.

  • Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.

  • Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid electrical surges.

Wishing you a warm and safe holiday season,
CJL Rentals & Property Management

Carleen Hart