New Hampshire homeowner guide

Well pump and water system

The majority of NH homes are on private wells. Know where the well is, where the pressure tank is, and how to shut off the pump circuit at the electrical panel. Well pump failures happen in winter storms; knowing the system before it fails makes recovery much faster.

Septic system location

Know where your septic tank, distribution box, and leach field are located. Do not drive over the leach field. Pump the septic tank every 3-5 years; NH homes on private septic depend on it functioning correctly.

Radon: test immediately

EPA rates Carroll County Zone 1 (highest) and the other nine counties, including Rockingham, Hillsborough and Merrimack, Zone 2 (moderate potential). Test within 90 days of move-in. The NH Department of Environmental Services recommends testing all homes.

Heating fuel monitoring

NH homes are heavily reliant on oil and propane heat. Keep heating oil above 100 gallons in winter. For propane, keep above 30% tank capacity. Winter delivery delays in northern NH can be 48-96 hours.

Gutter and ice dam prevention

NH's freeze-thaw cycles make properly functioning gutters critical. Clean in October before freezing. Ensure attic insulation is at R-49+ and air sealed; ice dams are caused by heat escaping through the ceiling, not by rain or initial snow accumulation.

Chimney cleaning and inspection

Schedule chimney cleaning in summer, not October when sweeps are fully booked. NH's high wood stove and fireplace usage means creosote builds up annually. Clean chimney in summer for fall and winter use.

Roof inspection and weatherization

Annual roof inspection before hurricane/nor'easter season. NH roofs take extreme wind and snow load stress. Address any lifted shingles or deteriorated flashing before winter.

Comprehensive freeze-prep

By October 1: heating system service complete, tank full, pipe insulation installed on all exposed runs, wood stove chimney clean, backup heat source confirmed operational, emergency supplies stocked.

Emergency supply stockpile

Stock 7-10 days of water (gallon jugs for when the well pump fails during power outages), food, medications, firewood or propane, and candles. Northern NH communities can be cut off for 5-7 days after major ice storms.

Pipe insulation thoroughness

NH's -30°F recorded temperatures are pipe-burst events for any exposed or minimally insulated pipes. Cover all pipes in unheated spaces with foam insulation. Install heat tape on exterior wall runs and garage-routed pipes. This is not optional in northern NH.

Roof snow removal

NH averages 60-100+ inches of snow in the north. Use a roof rake to remove accumulation over 24 inches. The White Mountain region can see 200+ inches per year; older structures need regular snow management.

Driveway access for emergency services

Keep the driveway clear at all times. NH's rural response times are 15-30+ minutes; a blocked driveway can double that. Keep a sand/salt supply accessible.

Sub-slab depressurization for NH homes

If radon tests above 4 pCi/L, install a sub-slab depressurization system. NH has NRPP-certified mitigators available statewide. The NH DES lists state-licensed contractors.

Annual water testing

Test well water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates at minimum. NH's geology also warrants testing for arsenic, radon in water, and PFAS (concentrated in some NH communities). The NH DES provides testing guidance and can help interpret results.

Septic pumping

Pump the septic tank every 3-5 years depending on household size. A failing leach field in NH can cost $10,000-30,000 to replace. Preventive pumping is one of the highest-ROI maintenance actions for NH homeowners.

Multi-day supply planning

NH ice storms routinely cause 5-10 day power outages in rural areas. Eversource NH: 1-800-662-7764. Without power, oil and gas furnaces stop. Have a backup heat source (wood stove, certified propane heater). Have 7-10 days of water; when the power is out, the well pump is out.

Shut off at the well pump and main shutoff

Turn off the well pump circuit at the breaker first. Then close the main house shutoff. Open all faucets. NH plumber wait times after a hard cold snap: 48-96 hours or more in rural areas. Know your shutoff before any freeze forecast.

Snowmelt and groundwater flooding

Do not enter flooded spaces with submerged electrical equipment. Call Eversource (1-800-662-7764) or Unitil (1-888-301-7700) to disconnect at the meter. For well systems, shut off the pump circuit at the breaker first. Pump out water, dry aggressively.

Extended cold-weather outage response

When power fails in NH winter: switch to backup heat immediately. Let all faucets drip to prevent freezing. Close off unused rooms to concentrate heat. Eversource: 1-800-662-7764. Unitil: 1-888-301-7700. Generator outside only, 20+ feet from any opening.

Propane and natural gas response

Rotten egg or skunk smell: everyone out immediately. Propane sinks to low areas. Evacuate quickly. Call 911 from outside. National Grid NH Gas: 1-800-233-5325. Liberty Gas (southern NH): 1-800-781-9399. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, chimney fire awareness, never re-enter

NH's widespread wood stove use makes chimney fire a specific annual risk. Chimney fire = roaring sound from the stove or chimney. Close all stove dampers and air inlets. Do not open the stove door. Call 911. Evacuate. For all fires: two exits from every room, outdoor meeting place, crawl under smoke, call from outside, never re-enter.