Manchester, New Hampshire – Another blast of Arctic air is lining up to sweep across New Hampshire, and many homeowners are learning the hard way that small winter prep oversights can turn into serious damage once temperatures plunge.
As cold air spreads statewide, frozen pipes remain the most common winter emergency. Pipes running through basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable, and a single night of extreme cold can be enough to cause bursts that flood homes.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently ignored issue. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen vents can become clogged by lint, snow, or ice, trapping moisture that freezes and forces air and water back into the house. These blockages can also increase fire risk when appliances cannot vent properly.
Ice dams continue to cause problems across New Hampshire, particularly during stretches of prolonged cold and heavy snow. Heat escaping through uneven attic insulation melts snow on rooftops, which then refreezes at colder roof edges. Water backs up beneath shingles, leading to damage inside ceilings, walls, and insulation. Older homes throughout Manchester and Hillsborough County are especially at risk.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also make the list. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow has nowhere to drain, raising the likelihood of basement flooding during brief thaws.
Rounding out the top five is heating system neglect. Furnaces and boilers that haven’t been serviced can fail during peak demand, forcing residents to rely on space heaters that strain electrical systems and raise fire concerns.
Homeowners are encouraged to insulate exposed pipes, clear snow and debris from vents, manage roof snow buildup safely, and confirm heating systems are working efficiently before the coldest air arrives. Additional cold-related alerts are expected as January’s harsh winter pattern continues across New Hampshire.
