Winter weather means cozy sweaters, your favorite boots, and wrapping up in your warmest blankets, but it also means your house could be hit with heavy rain, sleet, and snow. Before that happens, Seattlites can protect their homes from expensive damage with these tips from thelocal experts at South West:

Protect your pipes from freezing.

Warning: Washington winters can cause unprotected pipes to freeze and burst. It’s important to make sure that your home’s pipes are properly insulated to avoid potential flooding. Think your pipes might need an upgrade? Here’s how to tell.

Check your gutters and drainage.

With rain or melting snow sliding down your roof all season, homeowners should make sure that gutters and downspouts are clean and clear.

Consider replacing your water heater.

Did you know your water heater may need replacing if it's more than 10 years old? Other signs you may need a new water heater include water around the unit, rumbling sounds, or rust coming out when using hot water.

No need to fear — there’s still time to reinforce your house for the coming season and make sure you (and your home) stay warm and dry all winter long.

South West offers both scheduled appointments and emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pro tip: Follow them on Instagram for helpful tips and tricks, from why your toilet might be clogging to when to replace your smoke detectors.*