The Truth Behind Letting Your Pipes Drip (and 9 Other Smart Ways to Winterize Your Home Before a Southern Snowstorm)

The Truth Behind Letting Your Pipes Drip (and 9 Other Smart Ways to Winterize Your Home Before a Southern Snowstorm)

Winter storms in Northwest Arkansas hit differently. Homes here aren’t built for prolonged freezing temperatures, which means even a short cold snap can lead to burst pipes, water damage, and preventable insurance claims. A little preparation goes a long way. Here at Benchmarq Insurance, we're local, and our people are here riding out the storm with you.

Here are our 10 practical, homeowner‑friendly ways to winterize your home, plus power‑outage preparedness tips to help protect your family, pets, and property when the lights go out in NWA.

1. Let Your Faucets Drip

Why it helps: Moving water is much less likely to freeze than standing water. A slow drip relieves pressure inside the pipes, reducing the chance they burst if ice forms.

Focus on: Faucets on exterior walls and those farthest from your water main.

2. Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks

Why it helps: This allows warmer air from your home to circulate around pipes, especially those located on exterior walls.

Bonus tip: Do this overnight when temperatures drop the lowest.

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Why it helps: Pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape slow heat loss and can prevent freezing altogether.

Where to check: Crawl spaces, garages, basements, utility rooms, and outdoor spigots.

4. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Why it helps: Water trapped in hoses or exterior faucets can freeze and back up into interior pipes, causing hidden damage.

Extra step: Cover outdoor spigots with insulated faucet covers.

5. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks

Why it helps: Cold air sneaking into your home lowers indoor temperatures near pipes and increases heating strain.

Check around: Doors, windows, attic access points, vents, and garage entry doors.

6. Keep the Thermostat Consistent

Why it helps: Maintaining a steady temperature prevents pipes from experiencing extreme cold, even if you’re not home.

Rule of thumb: Keep your thermostat at least 55°F, even overnight or while traveling.

7. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

Why it helps: If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water quickly can dramatically reduce damage.

Preparedness move: Make sure all adults in the home know where it is and how to use it.

8. Clear Gutters and Check Roof Drainage

Why it helps: Proper drainage reduces ice buildup and prevents water from backing up under shingles or into the home.

Southern note: Even light snow followed by refreezing can create ice dams.

9. Bring Pets Inside and Protect Plants

Why it helps: Pets and landscaping in the South are often not acclimated to freezing temperatures.

Tips: Bring pets indoors, cover sensitive plants, and wrap exposed outdoor pipes near landscaping.

10. Prepare for a Power Outage

Why it helps: Winter storms often bring power loss, which can quickly create safety risks indoors.

Have on hand:

• Flashlights and extra batteries (avoid candles if possible)

• Portable phone chargers or power banks

• Extra blankets, hats, and gloves

• Non‑perishable food and bottled water

  
  

If the Power Goes Out: Protecting Your Home, Family, and Pets

Keep Your Home Safe

• Close off unused rooms to retain heat

• Use generators only outdoors and far from windows

• Never use grills, camp stoves, or ovens to heat your home

  
  

Protect Pipes During an Outage

• Continue letting faucets drip

• If heat will be out for an extended period, consider shutting off water and draining pipes.

  
  

Keep Your Family Warm

• Dress in layers

• Gather everyone in one room to conserve body heat

• Use sleeping bags and extra blankets if needed

  
  

Don’t Forget Pets

• Keep pets indoors and off cold floors

• Provide extra bedding and warmth

• Make sure they have access to unfrozen water

  
  

A Final Word on Winter Preparedness

Most winter‑related insurance claims in Northwest Arkansas come down to frozen pipes and water damage, and many are preventable with a few simple steps. Preparing ahead of time not only protects your home, but also helps keep your family safe and stress‑free during severe weather. Also, check out these tips on how to prevent winter claims.

If you have questions about coverage, deductibles, or how to document damage after a storm, your insurance agent should be your first call, ideally before the weather hits. We're available to assist you at 479.273.1320.