Winter in Maryland can be unpredictable — we might get a dusting one week and a full-blown snow storm the next. And when snow is paired with extreme cold, the risk of home damage goes way up. Frozen pipes, roof leaks, power outages, and ice-related hazards can quickly turn into expensive repairs (and major stress).

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or you’re currently selling a vacant property, this guide will walk you through the most important winter storm home protection tips — including how to prevent pipes from freezing during extreme cold.

Why Maryland Winter Storms Can Be So Hard on Homes

A common reason snow storms cause so much damage in Maryland is our frequent “freeze-thaw” cycles. Temperatures often dip below freezing overnight and then rise above freezing during the day — which creates melting and refreezing on roofs, gutters, walkways, and outdoor plumbing.

That repeated cycle can lead to:

• Frozen or burst pipes

• Ice dams on the roof (and leaks inside your home)

• Flooding from melting snow

• Dangerous icy steps and walkways

• Heating system strain or failure

• Power outages and rapid temperature drops inside the home

The good news? Most winter storm damage is preventable — if you prepare early.

Winter Storm Home Checklist: How to Protect Your House Before Snow Hits

If you only do one thing, do this: prepare before the storm arrives. Once temperatures drop and roads ice over, it becomes much harder (and more expensive) to fix problems.

1) Keep Your Heat On — Even If the Home is Vacant

One of the biggest causes of frozen pipes is homeowners trying to “save money” by turning the heat down too low.

If your home will be vacant during extreme cold, keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F. Even better: 60°F.

This is especially important for:

• Vacation homes

• Vacant rental properties

• Homes that are currently listed for sale

• Properties between tenants

Pro tip: If you have a smart thermostat, enable alerts so you’re notified if the temperature drops too low.

2) How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing During a Maryland Snow Storm

This is the #1 winter question we get as real estate agents: how do I prevent my pipes from freezing?

Here’s what actually helps:

• Let faucets drip slightly during the coldest overnight hours

• Open cabinet doors under sinks (especially on exterior walls)

• Keep interior doors open to circulate heat

• If your home has a basement or crawlspace, make sure heat is reaching those areas

• Check any known “cold spots” (back bathrooms, laundry rooms, finished basements)

Why dripping works: Moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water.

3) Shut Off and Winterize Exterior Water Sources

Outdoor spigots and hose bibs are extremely vulnerable in freezing weather.

Before a winter storm:

• Disconnect all hoses

• Shut off exterior water lines if possible

• Drain any remaining water from outdoor faucets

If you’ve had frozen pipe issues before, it may be worth having a plumber install freeze-resistant spigots or improve insulation.

4) Protect Against Power Outages and Sudden Temperature Drops

Maryland snow storms can knock out power quickly — and without heat, your home can drop below freezing within hours.

Here are smart “storm-proofing” steps:

• Know where your main water shutoff valve is

• Keep flashlights + batteries in an easy-to-reach area

• Charge portable phone chargers ahead of time

• If your home has a sump pump, consider a backup battery system

• If you’ll be away, ask someone local to check the house if power goes out

Important: If the heat stops and the home gets cold fast, pipes can freeze before you even realize there’s an issue.

5) Prevent Roof Damage and Ice Dams

Ice dams happen when snow melts on a warmer part of the roof and refreezes near the edge. That creates a “dam” that forces water back under shingles — leading to leaks inside the home.

To reduce ice dam risk:

• Clean gutters before snow arrives (so water can drain properly)

• Make sure attic insulation and ventilation are adequate

• Remove heavy snow buildup if safe to do so

Warning signs:

• Thick icicles along gutters

• Water stains on ceilings or near exterior walls

• Dripping water inside after a snow storm
  

6) Walkway Safety: Avoid Slip-and-Fall Hazards

This one matters for everyone, but especially landlords and sellers.

If a tenant, guest, contractor, inspector, appraiser, or buyer slips on icy steps, it can create liability.

Protect your home (and yourself) by:

• Salting sidewalks and steps before the storm hits

• Keeping a shovel accessible on-site

• Clearing walkways promptly after snowfall

• Adding traction mats for steep steps
  

7) Vacant Home Winter Prep Checklist (For Landlords + Sellers)

Vacant properties are the most likely to experience serious winter damage, because small problems can go unnoticed until they become emergencies.

If your home is vacant during a snow storm:

• Confirm the heat is on and functioning

• Set thermostat to 55–60°F minimum

• Have someone check the property during the cold snap

• Look for leaks under sinks and around water heaters

• Monitor for roof icicles / heavy gutter ice

• Keep walkways safe in case of unexpected visits
  

If you’re selling your home, snow and ice can also interfere with showings — and first impressions matter. A clear, safe entryway and a warm interior temperature can make a big difference.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze (Emergency Steps)

If you suspect frozen pipes:

• Turn on faucets (if nothing flows, that’s a clue)

• Check visible pipes for frost

• Do NOT use open flames

• Use safe heat sources like:

• hair dryer

• heating pad

• warm towels
  

If a pipe bursts:

• Shut off the main water supply immediately

• Call a plumber

• Start water cleanup as soon as possible to prevent mold
  

Need Help Preparing a Maryland Property for Extreme Cold?

If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or you’re selling a property during the winter, preparation is everything. A few proactive steps can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs — and help keep the home safe, marketable, and protected during Maryland’s harshest weather weeks.

If you’re not sure what’s most important for your home, or you’d like vendor recommendations (plumbing, HVAC, snow removal, winterization), feel free to reach out.

Frank Oliver Collective at eXp Realty
Serving Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Harford County, Howard County, and surrounding Maryland areas.

Maryland Snow Storm FAQ

Q1: What temperature should I keep my house at to prevent pipes from freezing?
A: In winter storm conditions, it’s best to keep your thermostat at 55°F minimum (60°F is even safer), especially for vacant homes or older properties.

Q2: Should I let my faucets drip during freezing weather?
A: Yes. Letting faucets drip slightly can help prevent pipes from freezing because moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water.

Q3: What are the signs that my pipes are frozen?
A: Common signs include little/no water coming from faucets, visible frost on exposed pipes, unusual odors from drains, or odd noises when turning on water.

Q4: What should I do if my pipes freeze?
A: Turn on the faucet, apply heat safely with a hair dryer or heating pad, and avoid open flames. If you suspect a burst pipe, shut off the main water line and call a plumber immediately.

Q5: Why are vacant homes at higher risk during snow storms?
A: Vacant homes often have reduced heat circulation and no one noticing early warning signs like minor leaks, heating failure, or temperature drops—allowing issues to worsen fast.

Q6: What is an ice dam and why is it bad?
A: An ice dam forms when roof snow melts and refreezes at the edges, trapping water. That water can back up under shingles and cause interior leaks and ceiling damage.

Q7: What are the most important things landlords should do before a winter storm?
A: Confirm the heat is functional, winterize exterior water sources, communicate with tenants about drip faucets and reporting leaks, and ensure a snow removal plan is in place to reduce liability.

Q8: Should I shut off water to a vacant property in winter?
A: In some cases, yes—especially if the home will be vacant for an extended time. However, it depends on the property setup, heating reliability, and local plumbing configuration. A plumber can advise the safest method.