Rome wasn’t built in a day…and good stewardship takes time, too. So, we’re back with more seasonal maintenance tasks (make sure to read Part 1 as well!).
1. Invest in a smart thermostat. Even when you’re not at home, the interior of your house should remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid problems like frozen pipes. A smart thermostat will alert you if temperatures get too low, signaling a problem with your heating system.
2. Sign up for text alerts for power outages. Your energy company likely offers this service. A few hours without power is OK, but since all heating systems rely on some electricity, several days could be dangerous unless you have a back-up power source (for example, a gas-fired generator).
3. Leave sink cabinet doors open in freezing weather. A bathroom in this Yonkers, NY, Victorian has been updated with vintage-style fixtures, forgoing the usual vanity cabinet. Smart move since exposed pipes stay warmer (especially next to that ravishing cast-iron radiator!). If you have a sink cabinet in your bathrooms or kitchen, keep the doors ajar when it’s really cold outside. That goes for the dishwasher door, too. And if you’re going away for several days, shut off the house water and open a cold water faucet to relieve pressure in pipes (I made a
4. Check when your septic tank was last pumped. If your house is not hooked up to a municipal sewer, that means you have a private septic system (or an outhouse?). The underground septic tank needs to be pumped every few years, depending on use. Keep on top of this because the last thing you want is a clogged system in February when the ground is frozen, making the tank hard to access! (I might be speaking from experience here…)
5. Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain spigots. Gorgeous gardens like these at the landmark Barney Ford house in Denver love their water. But water doesn’t love old houses. Any water allowed to freeze in outdoor spigots (even so-called “frost proof” ones) can cause breaks that lead to indoor flooding. Installing a designated shut-off valve for your spigot is a good idea, too.
6. Trim back vegetation. Exterior siding and masonry need a seasonal break from the excess moisture that plantings hold close.
7. Inspect roofs for vulnerabilities. Here’s an idea! Use a drone to capture seasonal views of your roof so that you can compare and detect any changes that may need to be addressed.
Final tip: Get to know your service providers (energy companies, septic service, plumber, carpenter, electrician…). Maintain strong relationships with bonhomie, seasonally appropriate gifts and the occasional batch of chocolate chip cookies.It’s not if you’ll need their help, but when. Plus, old house people are just fun. For more advice and mentorship on historic preservation strategy, sign up for the Worth Preserving newsletter!
AUTHOR KATE WOOD grew up criss-crossing the country in the family’s Volkswagen Bus, visiting house museums, battlefields, Main Streets, and national parks. Today, she is an award-winning preservationist, real estate broker and principal of the full-service historic rehabilitation consulting firm, Worth Preserving. Kate believes in the essential value of old-building stewardship to sustain community character. For her, each property is a cause and each client a fellow advocate. She specializes in matching people with properties, skilled contractors, historic tax credits and other benefits to support top-tier rehabilitation projects.
