Frozen and burst pipes are the most common — and most expensive — winter problem in South Jersey shore homes. Prevention is far cheaper than repair. Focus on the plumbing that lives near cold air: pipes along exterior walls, in crawlspaces, garages, attics, utility rooms, and under-sink cabinets on outside walls, as well as any exposed penetrations where cold air enters the building envelope.

Plumbing checklist

• Locate and label the main water shutoff.
• Check exposed or vulnerable supply lines.
• Insulate appropriate accessible piping.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
• Prepare exterior faucets according to their type.
• Seal significant drafts near plumbing penetrations.
• Address active leaks before cold weather.
• Confirm that occupants know what to do if a pipe leaks.
• Consider water-leak sensors in vulnerable areas.
• Arrange appropriate inspection if the property will be vacant.

For vacant homes, the strategy shifts. Some homeowners keep heat on and water live; others fully drain the system. Both approaches work — but only if executed correctly for the specific plumbing configuration. If you're unsure which approach fits your home, get help before winter, not after. Explore handyman services or contact Orbit to discuss what makes sense for the property.

Test the heating system on a mild day, not the first freezing night. Confirm the thermostat responds, replace or clean filters where appropriate, and keep supply and return vents unobstructed. For outdoor equipment — heat pumps, condensers, ductless outdoor units — clear leaves and debris and confirm nothing is leaning against the unit.

• Test the system before cold weather
• Replace or clean filters as appropriate
• Verify thermostat operation and batteries
• Keep indoor and outdoor components unobstructed
• Check condensate and drainage per equipment instructions
• Clear leaves and debris around outdoor units
• Confirm remote controls work
• Review vacation or low-occupancy settings
• Follow manufacturer instructions
• Schedule professional service where appropriate

Can you use a mini-split during a South Jersey winter?

Many modern ductless mini-splits are designed to provide heating in cold conditions, but capabilities vary by model, outdoor temperature, installation, sizing, and property conditions. Review the equipment documentation and consult an appropriately qualified service provider before relying on a unit as the property's sole freeze-protection strategy.

Talking through a mini-split project? See Orbit's mini-split services to discuss installation, replacement, or maintenance planning.

Coastal wind finds every gap. Walk each exterior door on a cool, breezy day and look — and feel — for daylight or moving air along the frame. Check weatherstripping, door sweeps, storm windows where present, and caulk around stationary exterior gaps. Never seal a required combustion-air or ventilation opening.

Persistent drafts often need more than caulk. If a door won't close cleanly, a window won't latch, or trim has separated, it may be time for handyman or custom project attention. Paint and caulk work often pairs naturally with painting.

Clogged gutters, blocked downspouts, and pooled water at the foundation cause damage all winter — not just during major storms. From the ground, examine roof edges, trim, fascia, and any obviously loose or lifted materials. Confirm downspouts discharge away from the foundation. Secure lightweight outdoor items that could blow around in a nor'easter.

• Disconnect hoses from every exterior faucet
• Drain hoses fully before storing indoors
• Prepare exterior faucets per their design (standard vs. frost-free)
• Store portable watering equipment
• Clean and store outdoor hand tools
• Secure or store lightweight furniture
• Follow grill-manufacturer storage instructions
• Protect outdoor electrical cords and temporary equipment
• Check exterior lighting and replace bulbs where needed

Handling propane tanks, generators, or fuel storage falls outside general homeowner guidance — follow manufacturer instructions and local rules for those items specifically.

Interior winterization is less dramatic than plumbing shutdowns but no less important. Slow leaks found in October become open faucets in February. Walk the home with a small flashlight and look under every sink, behind every toilet, and around every appliance for water staining, corrosion, or soft materials.

Winter heating brings more combustion equipment online — furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, portable heaters. Test every smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm in the home, replace batteries where applicable, and check the printed replacement date on each unit; alarms have finite service lives. Maintain alarms per the manufacturer's instructions.

A shore home left empty needs a documented plan, not a memory. Decide the heat strategy, note the main water shutoff location, confirm who will visually check the property and how often, and record emergency contacts somewhere accessible to the people who need them.

• Choose and document a heat strategy
• Note the main water shutoff location
• Schedule periodic visual checks
• Consider remote temperature or leak sensors
• Manage mail and package delivery
• List emergency contacts
• Confirm entry-point security
• Use interior lighting timers if desired
• Establish a storm plan
• List who has authorized access
• Document the home's condition before leaving
• Confirm insurance requirements with your carrier

Coastal winter storms bring wind, water, and power outages. Know where the water and electrical shutoffs are located. Keep flashlights, batteries, and charged communication devices available. Monitor forecasts, plan for temporary loss of heat, and rely on official emergency guidance rather than social media rumor.

Remote sensors are useful, but they depend on power and internet connectivity — plan for what happens if either drops. After severe weather, check the property when it is safe to do so and document any damage before making non-emergency repairs.

Check items off as you go — your progress is saved to this device automatically.

Some tasks are squarely homeowner territory. Others aren't — especially anything involving active leaks, damaged systems, elevated work, or specialized diagnosis. Contact an appropriately qualified professional for work requiring a license, permit, specialized equipment, or technical diagnosis.

• Active leaks or standing water
• Frozen or burst pipes
• Heating-system problems
• Persistent drafts
• Damaged exterior components
• Elevated gutter or roof work
• Electrical concerns
• Mini-split troubleshooting
• Complex water shutdowns
• Uncertain plumbing configurations
• Repairs beyond your comfort or experience

See all South Jersey service areas.

Use the buttons below to open a clean, print-friendly version of the essential checklist. Your browser's print dialog can save it as a PDF at no cost — no email required.

• Ready.gov — Winter Weather Preparedness — federal guidance on winter storm and home safety.
• ENERGY STAR — Seal & Insulate — U.S. EPA guidance on reducing drafts and improving home efficiency.
• U.S. Department of Energy — Weatherize — general home weatherization guidance.
• New Jersey DCA — Weatherization Assistance Program — state resource on weatherization.
• Equipment manufacturer instructions for your specific heating, mini-split, and appliance models.

This guide provides general home-maintenance information. Every property and system is different. Follow manufacturer instructions, applicable codes, utility guidance, and the recommendations of appropriately qualified professionals. Orbit Services does not provide legal, insurance, or code advice.