If you’re looking for Sioux Falls real estate tips and tricks, then look no further. Winterizing your home is a crucial step in preparing your home for the cold winter months. Chris DeSanto from Sioux Empire Home Inspections has some helpful tips on how to winterize your home.

One of the first things to consider is winterizing your sprinkler system. If you don't have things taken care of, winterizing a sprinkler system can be a disaster. Chris recommends blowing out your sprinkler system to get all the water out. Even a little valve that sits on the outside needs to be free of moisture. When water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipes, causing them to burst. Replacing a sprinkler system can be expensive, so it's best to nip the problem in the bud. Typically, landscaping companies or plumbing companies can winterize your sprinkler system for a reasonable cost.

When it comes to hose bibs, Chris suggests making sure your hoses are removed before the freezing weather hits. If not, the hoses will freeze on the outside, and the frozen water will transfer inside. Remove all the water from your hoses before storing them, so they don't take up too much space. Chris suggests doing this on a warm day when the hoses are pliable, so they're not rigid when stored.

There are different types of hose bibs outside, and some of them are frost-free, but not entirely unsusceptible to freezing. Even if you have the frost-free type, it's best to remove the hoses. Frost-free will help so you don't have to shut the water off, but it's best to provide an extra level of protection by removing the hoses. In some instances, when temperatures drop to 30-40 below, it's best to get a little insulated valve cover over your hose bib.

In conclusion, winterizing your home is a crucial step in preparing for the cold winter months. Chris DeSanto from Sioux Empire Home Inspections suggests blowing out your sprinkler system, removing all hoses, and removing the water from your hoses before storing them. It's best to take preventative measures and avoid costly repairs by winterizing your home. Don't wait until it's too late, call a landscaping or plumbing company today!