Winter Protection Program (WPP)
Lakehouse Winter Protection Program (WPP)
Winter in East Texas brings unique challenges for lakehouse and ranch property owners. At Prep My Lakehouse (PML), we understand the potential risks posed by freezing temperatures, especially when a lakehouse is unoccupied during the coldest months. That’s why we developed our Winter Protection Program (WPP), a comprehensive service tailored to ensure your lakehouse and ranch property remains safe, warm, and protected from winter’s harshest elements. With PML’s WPP, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that our team is monitoring and winterizing your home throughout the season.
Why Choose Winter Protection for Your Lakehouse?
East Texas winters can be unpredictable, with 
freezing temperatures and the possibility of ice storms. While some may think this region experiences mild winters, lakehouses are especially vulnerable to freezing conditions. Without proper winterization, costly issues can quickly arise, including:
- Frozen and burst pipes: A top concern during winter freezes is that burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.
- HVAC strain: Cold snaps can overwork heating systems, leading to unexpected breakdowns.
- Damage to outdoor features: Exterior plumbing, water features, and irrigation systems are at risk.
- Energy inefficiency: An unprotected home requires more energy to maintain warmth, spiking utility bills.
- Security risks: Unoccupied lakehouses and ranch properties can be attractive targets for break-ins, especially during the off-season.
What Our Winter Protection Program Includes
Our Winter Protection Program (WPP) is a fully managed winterization service that handles every aspect of protecting your lakehouse. Each time the forecast predicts freezing temperatures lasting 12 hours or more, our team takes proactive steps to prepare your home:
- Temperature Regulation
- We turn on the heating system to a steady 70°F (or your preferred temperature), ensuring your lakehouse stays warm enough to prevent freezing.
- Smart thermostat programming ensures energy efficiency without compromising on protection.
- Plumbing Protection
- We open all cabinets under sinks, allowing warm air to reach plumbing pipes and reducing the risk of freezing.
- In cases of extreme cold, we set your faucets to drip, maintaining water flow to prevent pipes from freezing.
- For added security, we offer an option to turn off the water at the main and drain your home’s plumbing system. This approach provides maximum protection if a storm is expected to last multiple days.
- Outdoor Feature Winterization
- We protect all outdoor spigots and exterior faucets with insulated covers and drain irrigation systems.
- For homes with exterior showers, fountains, or dock water pumps, our team winterizes and stores them safely for the season.
- Post-Storm Reset and Follow-Up
- After each freeze, we return to reset faucets, ensure all systems are functioning correctly, and prepare your lakehouse for your next visit.
- This post-storm check includes resetting drips, confirming heat, and addressing any issues discovered during the initial winterization.
- Unlimited Visits Throughout the Winter Season
- With PML’s WPP, you’re covered for the entire winter. Each time a freeze is predicted, we’ll visit your home, adjust systems as needed, and perform all the tasks outlined to keep your home safe.
To Drip or to Drain:
Custom Water Management Options
A common question among lakehouse owners is whether to drip faucets or drain the home’s water system entirely. Dripping faucets might be effective in city homes, but lakehouses are often on septic systems with specific needs that complicate water management. Plus, freezing temperatures can affect power reliability, increasing the risk of freeze damage. PML recommends draining the water system as the safest option, especially when your home will be unattended for extended periods. We coordinate with local water utilities, ensuring your lakehouse is appropriately drained and safeguarded from freeze-related plumbing issues.
Additional Winterization Options
- Boat Winterization: Protect your watercraft by properly storing and winterizing boats, jet skis, and other equipment.
- Advanced Landscaping Protection: Winter fertilizers, windbreaks, and frost covers help protect sensitive landscaping and outdoor plants.
- Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Weatherstripping, insulation, and smart thermostat installations help make your lakehouse more energy-efficient throughout winter.
- Home Monitoring: Smart home systems with real-time alerts can notify you of temperature drops, water leaks, or security concerns.
The Benefits of Choosing PML’s Winter Protection Program
- Local Expertise: Our team understands the nuances of East Texas weather and the specific risks lakehouse owners face.
- Proactive Care: With PML’s regular monitoring and freeze alerts, you can feel confident knowing that potential issues are handled before they escalate.
- Custom Solutions: Every lakehouse is unique, and our WPP is tailored to meet your home’s individual needs. We’ll work with you to create a plan that matches your property’s specifications.
- Peace of Mind: Unlimited visits and 24/7 availability mean you can rest easy knowing your lakehouse is in expert hands, no matter the weather.