If you remember anything about this year in Tucson, you'll remember the deep freeze and the many homes that weren't ready to handle it - broken water pipes were among the biggest problem and caused back ups (no pun intended!) with plumbers for weeks on end.
And rental properties were most affected because landlords, though they prepped their home - forgot about their rentals!
Today the temps in Tucson will be low, and as the rain moves out, the temps will drop even more - below freezing. So homeowners and landlords alike - here are a few things you should do today:
· Get some burlap and cover your plants for starters! (Bed sheets will do in a pinch - but burlap is better - the local Home Depot is almost sold out so today is the day to go get some if you need to!)
· While you are at the depot, pick up some pipe insulation and cover all your outdoor pipes.
· Check your heater, change the filters if necessary and if you have tenants, it's a good idea to have some extra space heaters handy in case something goes wrong - you can always bring them some space heaters till the unit can be serviced.
· And don't forget your water heaters - if you haven't looked at them in the past year or longer - take a quick peek, thermo couplers go out all the time - and usually - it's always when it's 20 degrees outside!
· With tenants - give them all a call today and remind them about the freezing temps. I have a tenant that works nights - I will remind him to leave a couple faucets open on a small drip - just in case.
· I understand trying to save money - so with that comes the concept of turning off the heater while you aren't home. However, this could do more damage - so at least keep the heat on - but at lower temps - like 40 or 50. This will help prevent pipes from freezing while you are gone - especially if you are gone for a couple days.
· If you have a swimming pool - change the cycle so the pump runs at night until the morning.
Spend some time today so you won't have to spend more later!
Buying or selling Tucson real estate, Mt Lemmon, Tucson bank-owned homes, Tucson rental homes, or Tucson lease option homes? Visit www.KGCPropertiesLLC.com!
This blog is written with my opinions and my opinions are 
presented wit
h accuracy but not guarantees. Please talk to a professional before making any real estate, financial or agency decisions. Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind - 2011. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission:TucsonsRealEstate@gmail.com.
Good morning, Gab....homeowners must pay attention to freezing temperatures and prepare properly for it.....you've provided a good list....welcome to my world of freezing temps!!!
Good morning Gabrielle,
These are great tips with freezing temperatures on the way..broken pipes are not fun!! As a landlord you are protecting your investment by giving your tenants a call!!
Gabrielle, who would have thought that it is so cold this early in the season, stay warm.
Gabrielle, I remember a year ago here in Florida we had temps in the twenties for a week. It was awful.
Gabrielle, Thanks for the reminder. This is a good list and I will share it with others.
Gabrielle ...great reminder! Sometimes people forget what might happen in the really cold temperatures!
have a great day in Tucson!
Gabby,
Great tip about the pool I had not even thought about that since here in NC we just close down the pool in the fall. So we will blow out the lines and shut the entire system down. I understand that in your clime one would not completely close down the pool but it is a revalation since more and more homeowners are getting heaters for their pools so they can leave them open year round.
Gabrielle
Your tips are right on the money, and long term will save the landlords money.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Hi Gab - Weird weather, right? I took a 30 mile bike ride today even though it was a bluebird day up at Schweitzer. Can't pass up days like this...NO snow in the valley! Stay warm!
Thank you for sharing your blog; we need Real estate Professionals to share their comments and information regarding their markets and experiences. Thanks again from beautiful Sunny San Diego