As local home inspectors serving Harrisburg and the surrounding areas, we’ve seen firsthand how even a minor plumbing issue can quickly escalate during the winter months. The moment temperatures dip below freezing, homes that aren’t properly prepared become vulnerable to pipe bursts, frozen water lines, and costly damage that could have been avoided.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) notes that frozen pipes and leaky roofs are among the most common causes of interior water damage claims as winter weather becomes a factor. A home maintenance inspection before the cold sets in is not just a smart idea; it's essential.
What Local Home Inspectors Uncover Before Winter
Here’s what a certified homeowner inspection from HouseMaster typically reveals during the late fall or early winter months:
1. Uninsulated Pipes in Cold Zones
Pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages are especially susceptible to freezing. Many older homes in the Harrisburg area were built before modern energy efficiency standards, meaning exposed piping is often left unprotected.
2. Improper Outdoor Faucet Setup
Outdoor spigots and hose bibs are a common freeze point. We often find hoses still attached well into November, which traps water in the line. When the temperature drops, that water expands, cracking the fixture or connected pipe.
3. Leaky Seals and Worn Valves
Older faucets, joints, and shut-off valves often degrade over time. If your home hasn’t had a plumbing inspection recently, these weak points can cause leaks or make it difficult to shut off water in an emergency.
4. Inadequate Drainage and Sump Pump Issues
A frozen sump pump line or inactive pump during a thaw can cause basement flooding. This is especially true in homes located on sloped lots or with poor exterior grading.
Top Winterization Tips From Harrisburg Home Inspectors
Whether you're a new homeowner or preparing a long-time residence for the season, here are pro tips straight from the field:
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Use foam pipe sleeves or fiberglass wrap for any piping exposed to cold air. Focus on areas near exterior walls or unheated spaces like garages or crawlspaces. For high-risk spots, consider UL-listed heat tape.
Drain and Cover Outdoor Faucets
After removing any hoses, shut off the valve inside the home (if available), open the faucet to let it drain, and install an insulated cover.
Know Your Shut-Off Valve
Your main shut-off valve should be labeled and fully functional. If you can’t turn it off with moderate force, replace it now, not during a mid-January emergency.
Let Interior Faucets Drip (Strategically)
In extreme cold, letting a faucet drip slowly (especially on exterior walls) keeps water moving and relieves pressure inside the pipe.
Seal Air Leaks Near Plumbing
Use spray foam or caulk to seal air drafts in places where pipes pass through walls or foundations. These are often overlooked cold spots.
The Overlooked Risk: Water Heater and Laundry Area Prep
During our home maintenance inspections in Harrisburg, we also check areas homeowners tend to forget:
- Water heaters in unheated garages or basements should be wrapped with an insulating jacket for efficiency and freeze prevention.
- Washing machine hoses should be inspected for cracks or bulges.
- If your laundry room is on an exterior wall, it may need added insulation or a small space heater on the coldest nights.
Schedule a Local Plumbing Inspection Now
Don’t wait until the first hard freeze. Harrisburg winters may start mild, but sudden cold snaps are common, and it only takes one freezing night to cause major damage.
Whether you're buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, a local home inspection from HouseMaster can uncover hidden plumbing vulnerabilities and give you a prioritized list for winter prep.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Most winter plumbing failures are entirely preventable. A quick fall inspection, combined with a few strategic upgrades, can save you thousands in repairs and protect your most valuable investment, your home.
If you're in Harrisburg, Lebanon, or the surrounding areas, now is the time to schedule your plumbing and home maintenance inspection with HouseMaster.
Harrisburg home inspectors Dan Ayers and Scott Ayers, like all Housemaster home inspectors, have extensive training and certifications and are tested annually to meet the industry standards of continuing education, inspection, reporting, and customer service. As part of the oldest and most trusted nationwide home inspection business, Dan and Scott have been able to put their decade long experience in fire and water property restoration and their passion for customer service to good use in the professional home inspection process. Request an inspection today!
