Hartford, Connecticut – Another wave of Arctic air is preparing to sweep across Connecticut and Rhode Island, and homeowners throughout the region are being reminded that small, overlooked winter prep issues can quickly spiral into costly damage once temperatures plunge.
As cold air settles in across southern New England, frozen pipes remain the most common winter problem. Pipes located in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable, and rapid temperature drops can cause freezing and bursts that flood homes with little warning.
Blocked exterior vents are another issue frequently missed until problems appear. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen vents can become clogged with lint, snow, or ice, trapping moisture that freezes and forces airflow back into the home. These blockages can lead to water damage and increase fire risk when appliances are unable to vent properly.
Ice dams continue to impact homes across both states during extended cold spells. Heat escaping through uneven attic insulation melts snow on rooftops, which then refreezes along colder roof edges. Water backs up beneath shingles, damaging ceilings, insulation, and interior walls. Older housing stock in Hartford, Providence, and surrounding communities is especially susceptible.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also rank among the most overlooked winter hazards. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow has nowhere to drain, increasing the likelihood of basement flooding during brief warmups.
Rounding out the top five is neglected heating equipment. Furnaces and boilers that haven’t been maintained can struggle or fail during peak demand, leaving homes without reliable heat and pushing residents toward unsafe heating alternatives.
Homeowners are urged to insulate exposed pipes, clear snow and debris from exterior vents, manage roof snow buildup safely, and ensure heating systems are running efficiently before the cold tightens its grip. More cold-related alerts are expected as January’s winter pattern remains active across Connecticut and Rhode Island.
