If you own a second home at the Jersey Shore, have a vacation property, or are a snowbird heading south for the winter, there is more to preparing your home than locking the doors and turning off the lights.
Winter temperatures along the Jersey Shore can create serious problems for plumbing, water lines, outdoor kitchens, faucets, showers, irrigation equipment and other water-connected systems. A small amount of water left in the wrong place can freeze, expand and cause expensive damage.
That is why professional home winterization should be on your fall checklist.
Why Jersey Shore Homes Need to Be Winterized
Homes in communities throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties, including Wall Township, Manasquan, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Belmar, Avon-by-the-Sea, Brielle, Point Pleasant, Mantoloking, Bay Head, Brick, Toms River and surrounding Jersey Shore communities, can sit vacant for weeks or months during the winter. When nobody is home, a frozen pipe or plumbing leak can go unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. A professional plumbing winterization service can help protect your property before you leave.
What Does Home Winterization Include?
Every home is different, which is why our plumbers inspect the property’s plumbing and water- connected equipment rather than simply following a one-size-fits-all checklist.
Winterization may include:
- Hot Water Boiler Systems
- Shutting down and draining water lines
- Protecting interior plumbing
- Winterizing outdoor faucets and hose connections
- Protecting exterior water lines
- Winterizing outdoor showers
- Winterizing outdoor kitchens
- Draining outdoor sinks
- Checking water heaters and plumbing equipment
- Addressing exposed pipes
- Checking sump pump systems
- Inspecting plumbing fixtures for potential problems
- Preparing vacation homes and second homes for extended vacancy
- Identifying potential freeze points before temperatures drop
Don’t Forget Your Outdoor Kitchen
One of the most commonly overlooked areas of a Jersey Shore home is the outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens can have sinks, faucets, water lines, drains and other plumbing components. Simply covering the kitchen or turning off the faucet does not necessarily mean the plumbing is protected from freezing temperatures. Our plumbers can inspect and winterize your outdoor kitchen plumbing so you can leave forthe winter with greater peace of mind.
Outdoor Showers Need Winterization Too
Outdoor showers are extremely popular at the Jersey Shore. After a summer of rinsing off sand, salt water and sunscreen, they can easily become an afterthought once beach season ends. But water remaining inside the plumbing can freeze during the winter. If you have an outdoor shower in Manasquan, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Wall, Avon-by-the- Sea, Brielle or anywhere along the Jersey Shore, make sure it is properly prepared before you
leave.
What About the Plumbing Inside the House?
Winterization isn’t just about outdoor plumbing. A vacant home can still experience problems with interior plumbing, especially if the water
supply is shut off or the home is left unheated. Depending on the property and plumbing system, winter preparation may involve water supply shutoffs, draining specific lines, protecting vulnerable plumbing and making sure the home is properly prepared for extended vacancy. Every property is different. A professional inspection can help determine what your home actually needs.
Leaving Your Jersey Shore Home for the Winter?
Before you head south, make a home winterization checklist. Don’t wait until the first hard freeze to think about your plumbing.
At Rostron Premium Home Services, our plumbing team can help prepare your Jersey Shore home for the winter, from indoor plumbing and water lines to outdoor kitchens, outdoor showers, faucets and other equipment. We service homeowners throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties and understand the unique needs of Jersey Shore homes, vacation properties and second homes. Protect Your Home Before You Leave.
Your Jersey Shore home may be empty for months. The last thing you want is to return in the spring to frozen pipes, burst plumbing, water damage or an expensive repair bill. Rostron Premium Home Services — A Company of Quality. Serving Jersey Shore homeowners throughout Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
