(BPT) - This is the time of year when homes need a little TLC as winter’s harsh weather can batter windows, assault rooftops and damage pipes. Luckily, there are several easy tasks to include on home maintenance checklists and most of them are no-cost and low-cost chores that could end up saving homeowners big bucks.

“As always, water is your home’s biggest enemy,” says Eric Sanders, vice president of Risk Services at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “Every year, water does more damage to homes than fire, but every year too many people forget to do the little things that protect their property.”

Burst pipes and indoor flooding can wreak havoc on your home and personal possessions. While faulty pipes can be a problem in any season, even well-maintained pipes can burst if they freeze – and they are much more likely to give way during winter when temperatures plunge.