We’ve been busy mowing down pumpkin spice lattes and stocking up on sweaters since September, but now it’s time to get down to the business of home maintenance. We have a killer DIY to-do list that will leave you disaster-free this winter and upcoming spring.
TO-DO
INSPECT GUTTERS, DOWNSPOUTS, AND ROOF
Make sure that your spouts are draining properly and especially draining away from your home. Water seepage and freezing can wreak foundation-mayhem.
TURN OFF WATER AND BLEED OUT WATER LINES
Keep your sprinkler lines and hoses intact until weather warms up by winterizing your lines and draining your hoses now. It’s much easier than excavating your yard to find a leak in the spring.
SHUT OFF WATER AT SECOND HOMES
After you take your last fall trip to your home away from home—whether it’s a cabin, lake house, or even a tiny home—turn off your water. Next year’s getaways will be better minus surprise repairs.
REPLACE WASHING MACHINE HOSES
This is a once-every-five-years to-do that most people never consider. Holiday season is the worst possible time to deal with the flooding and water damage that a simple hose replacement could have rectified. Plus, it’s an easy project. Check it out.
INSPECT WATER HEATERS
Most water heaters are only designed to last 5-10 years. Check yours for rust, moisture, and corrosion before you’re stuck taking cold showers this winter.
INSULATE HOT AND COLD WATER PIPES IN UNHEATED AREAS
Freezing can cause major leaks in spots like unheated garages or shops. Adding pipe sleeves is an easy way to ensure cold protection.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
If our list strikes you as a little daunting or a little too time consuming, consider the impact of irrigation leakage and flooding. Some elbow grease now can have a big impact later.