Winter in Driggs is beautiful, but it can be tough on homes. If you are new to Teton Valley or you split time between places, the mix of deep freezes, heavy snow, and freeze–thaw cycles can surprise you. This practical checklist shows you how to winterize a mountain home in Driggs with clear steps for roofs, wells, septic, propane, and safety. You will leave with a plan that protects your property and your peace of mind. Let’s dive in.
When to winterize in Driggs
Start early. Plan insulation, sealing, and heating-system service in late September or October. Finish fuel deliveries, exterior plumbing tasks, and roof work before sustained freezing, often by late October to November.
Check local rules before winter sets in. Look at City of Driggs and Teton County ordinances for snow removal, sidewalk clearing, winter parking, and any seasonal burn restrictions. If you rely on propane or other deliveries, call providers early for scheduling and emergency contacts.
Outdoor checklist
Roof and gutters
- Inspect shingles, flashing, and roof penetrations. Repair weak spots before snow arrives.
- Clean gutters and downspouts so meltwater can drain. Make sure water flows away from your foundation.
- If you battle repeat ice dams, consider professionally installed roof heat cables and confirm electrical connections are safe.
Snow management plan
- Line up snow removal now. Choose a contractor, plan with a neighbor, or prepare your own equipment.
- Identify safe snow storage away from foundations and propane tanks. Keep access clear for emergency vehicles and delivery trucks.
- For metal roofs where snow sheds in sheets, talk with a roofer about snow guards if sliding snow threatens entries or walkways.
Trees and falling hazards
- Trim dead or diseased branches near roofs, driveways, and power lines.
- Have a certified arborist remove risk limbs before storms make the job harder.
Exterior plumbing
- Disconnect and drain hoses. Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs where possible. Add insulated covers to exposed bibs.
- Insulate any exposed pipes. Use heat tape on vulnerable runs and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and electrical code.
Seal and insulate
- Seal gaps around doors and windows. Replace worn weatherstripping.
- Add insulation to the attic and check ventilation balance to reduce ice-dam risk.
- Insulate rim joists and improve crawlspace sealing where appropriate to cut cold drafts and frost issues.
Indoor checklist
Heat and fuel systems
- Service your furnace or boiler and change filters. If you use a wood stove, schedule a chimney sweep and inspection by a qualified professional.
- If you heat with propane, confirm tank levels now and schedule deliveries. Keep the supplier’s emergency number handy and maintain clear access to the tank.
Pipes and wells
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Add heat tape where needed. On cold nights, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air circulation.
- Protect your wellhead with an insulated cover that allows ventilation but blocks drafts. Consider insulating pressure tanks and controls.
Safety alarms
- Install and test carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and near bedrooms. Test smoke detectors and replace batteries.
- If you use gas, propane, wood stoves, or a generator, CO detectors are essential.
Water management
- Find your main water shutoff and label it. In a freeze or burst, you can save thousands by acting fast.
- When away for short trips, set the thermostat to at least 55 to 60 degrees to reduce freeze risk.
Emergency supplies
- Stock flashlights or headlamps, fresh batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food, a first-aid kit, warm blankets, and a basic tool kit.
- Keep a battery or inverter-powered phone charger. Post a list of emergency numbers near the main panel and shutoffs.
Mountain systems to prioritize
Wells and pumps
- Mountain wells can freeze at exposed points. Insulate aboveground lines and keep components out of drafts.
- Do not drain well systems unless you plan to sanitize before you return. For intermittent use, keep safe heat on and arrange periodic checks.
Septic protection
- Have your septic system inspected and pumped as needed before freeze-up. Insulate access lids if they sit near the surface.
- Snow cover helps insulate the drainfield. Avoid removing snow from that area and limit heavy vehicle traffic over it.
Propane readiness
- Keep tanks filled enough to ride out extended cold snaps. Aboveground tanks and lines should be protected from drifting and snow shed.
- Keep the path for delivery trucks clear and plan site access if storms drift snow across your driveway.
Wood stoves and chimneys
- Creosote buildup is a real fire risk. Schedule a yearly sweep and inspection, use dry seasoned wood, and check door gaskets.
- Keep fire extinguishers ready and detectors working.
Roof load and ice dams
- Know your roof’s design limits. Heavy snow and repeated storms can add weight fast.
- Prevent ice dams by sealing air leaks into the attic, improving insulation, and keeping ventilation balanced. Roof rakes can help from the ground after storms. Hire pros for steep or complex roofs.
Power outages and generator safety
- Place portable generators outdoors on a level surface and away from doors and windows. Never run a generator in an attached garage.
- For permanent generators, use a licensed electrician and a transfer switch. Store fuel safely per local rules.
- Keep lights, power banks, and communication plans ready before the first big storm.
Insurance, records, and local rules
- Review your policy for freeze-related damage, septic backups, and roof collapse coverage. Maintenance clauses may affect claims.
- Document pre-winter conditions with dated photos of your roof, trees, and major systems. Keep receipts for furnace service, chimney sweep, and septic work.
- Check city and county winter rules for snow removal, burn restrictions, and permits for generator installs or structural changes.
When to hire a pro
- Call a roofer or structural engineer if you see roof sagging, heavy ice dams, or pooling meltwater.
- Use licensed contractors for gas or propane work, electrical upgrades, and generator or heat-cable installations.
- Bring in a plumber for frozen or burst pipes and a septic service provider for pre-winter inspection or pumping.
- Look for proper credentials such as state licenses and insurance. For chimney work, a CSIA-certified sweep is recommended.
Cost considerations vary by home size and scope. Expect furnace or boiler tune-ups and chimney sweeps to land in the low hundreds. Heat tape, insulation, and roof heat-cable systems scale with size and complexity. Whole-house generators with transfer switches cost several thousand dollars installed, while portable units are less but require careful placement and fueling. Get local quotes before you schedule work.
If you leave for part of winter
- Keep the thermostat at 55 to 60 degrees, not lower.
- Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs and insulate exposed plumbing.
- Ask a trusted contact to check the property on a schedule, especially after major storms or cold snaps.
- For extended vacancies, consider professional winterization of domestic water lines and traps. This has implications for boilers, water heaters, and septic, so consult a licensed plumber first.
A simple weekly check
- Confirm the heat is running and the indoor temperature is steady.
- Look for signs of ice dams outside and water stains inside.
- Verify propane level and that the tank and regulators are clear of snow and ice.
- Test CO and smoke detectors and replace batteries if low.
- Walk mechanical spaces for drips, frost, or odd noises.
Selling this winter?
A winter-ready home signals care, reduces inspection surprises, and shows well to buyers who understand mountain living. Clear snow storage, tidy rooflines, clean chimneys, and documented service records build confidence. If you plan to list, our in-house Design Center and Reality Staging and Reality Renovation programs can help you fine-tune presentation so your property feels like a turnkey mountain retreat.
Ready to create a tailored winter plan or discuss timing your sale around the season? Connect with the team at Mountain West Luxury Living for local guidance and a strategy that fits your goals.
FAQs
How do I prevent frozen pipes in a Driggs home?
- Insulate exposed pipes, use heat tape on vulnerable runs, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls, keep the thermostat steady at 55 to 60 degrees or higher, and label the main shutoff so you can act fast.
What thermostat setting is safe when I am away?
- For short trips, set 55 to 60 degrees to reduce freeze risk. For long absences, pair that with regular property checks or professional winterization, especially in deep cold.
Should I remove roof snow myself on a mountain home?
- Use a roof rake from the ground for light accumulations. If snow is deep, the roof is steep or icy, or you see sagging or large ice dams, hire a professional.
How can I protect a septic system in deep cold?
- Inspect and pump as needed before winter, insulate access lids, avoid driving over the drainfield, and keep snow cover in place to insulate the system.
What emergency items should I keep for outages?
- Flashlights or headlamps, fresh batteries, power banks, water and food for 72 hours, warm layers and blankets, a first-aid kit, a basic tool kit, pet-safe ice melt, and a printed list of emergency numbers and shutoff locations.
