For second-home owners in Surf City, Holden Beach, and Figure Eight Island, winterizing means something very different than it does in the mountains. We don't just battle the occasional freeze; we battle the salt, the wind, and the inevitable humidity that lingers even in January.

If you are locking up your coastal retreat until Easter, a simple "turn off the lights" approach is a recipe for a springtime disaster. In Pender and Brunswick counties, the damage usually happens when a cold snap hits a house that wasn’t properly put to sleep.

Here is the essential shutdown checklist for the North Carolina coast.

1. The Water: Turn It Off, Then Drain It Down

Water damage is the #1 insurance claim for vacation homes. In our area, where many homes are elevated on pilings, pipes are exposed to the wind tunnel effect that freezes them faster than ground-level homes.

The Main Shut-Off: Locate your main water valve (often in the ground-level utility room or garage). Turn it off completely.

The "Bleed" Step: Once the main is off, go to the lowest spigot in the house (often an outdoor shower or ground-level hose bib) and open it. Then, go to the highest faucet (top floor bathroom) and open it. This gravity-drains the water out of your vertical pipes so there is nothing left to freeze and expand.

The Outdoor Shower: This is the most common casualty in Topsail and Oak Island. Disconnect the shower head and bring it inside. Leave the handles in the open position.

2. The "Backflow" Preventer (Irrigation)

If you have an irrigation system in neighborhoods like Landfall or Brunswick Forest, you likely have an above-ground backflow preventer device in your yard.

The Risk: These brass devices are incredibly sensitive to freezing. Even one night at 28°F can crack the brass body, costing $500+ to replace.

The Fix: Drain it or cover it with an insulated fake rock or thermal pouch. Better yet, have your landscaper perform a blow out to remove all water from the lines.

3. HVAC: The "Coastal" Winter Setting

You cannot simply turn your heat off. If we get a hard freeze (like Christmas 2022), a house at 40°F can easily result in cracked toilet tanks or frozen supply lines inside the walls.

The Magic Number: Set your thermostat to 55°F on Heat.

Humidity Watch: In our climate, winter can still be damp. If you have a smart thermostat (Nest/Ecobee), keep the Wi-Fi connected so you can monitor humidity. If you see it creeping above 60%, you may need to run the system briefly or keep a dehumidifier draining into a sink.

4. Sewer Gas: The "P-Trap" Trick

If a house sits empty for 3–4 months, the water in your toilet bowls and under-sink P-traps can evaporate.

The Consequence: Without that water barrier, sewer gas (and sometimes palmetto bugs) can travel up the pipes and into your home.

The Fix: Pour a half-cup of RV Antifreeze (the pink stuff, safe for septic systems) into every toilet bowl and sink drain. It won't evaporate and it won't freeze. Alternatively, a tablespoon of vegetable oil floating on top of the toilet water slows evaporation significantly.

5. Storm Prep (Even in Winter)

Winter Nor'easters in Onslow and New Hanover counties can pack winds rivaling a tropical storm.

The Yard: Secure or store all patio furniture. A 50-mph gust in February can easily launch a lightweight wicker chair through a sliding glass door.

The Vents: If your home is on pilings, ensure your crawl space vents or lattice work are secure.

Your Next Step

Winterizing isn't just about protection; it's about peace of mind. You shouldn't spend your winter wondering if a pipe has burst.

Aspyre Realty Group are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them—and that includes teaching you how to care for that home when you aren't there. We have a list of trusted Home Watch service providers in New Hanover and Pender counties who can physically check your property during cold snaps. Contact us to get connected with the right local pros.