Top 5 Fall Home Maintenance Checklist Items
As the seasons shift, it's essential to prioritize specific home maintenance tasks to ensure your house remains in excellent condition throughout the colder months. Here are the top five tasks to tackle this fall:
Protect Your Pipes and Plumbing:
Remember to shut off the supply when working on fixtures
Before winter sneaks up on us, ensure your pipes are wrapped tighter than a kielbasa in a bun. A burst pipe is no joke, especially when the temps drop.
Check for existing leaks, and assess your water pressure and temperature.
Call a professional if you suspect any leaks or if your water heater isn't functioning properly.
Know where the main water shut-off valve is located in your home.
Shut off and drain exterior faucets to safeguard against the freezing temperatures.
Seal and Caulk Cracks:
Pull blown in insulation back to check for gaps around pipes
Examine various parts of your home, including windows, doors, ceiling, baseboards, attic, electrical outlets, foundation seals, vents, and fans, for gaps and cracks.
Proper sealing prevents cold air from entering, which can lead to frozen pipes and higher heating bills.
Ensure all weatherstripping is in place and that windows, doors, and cracks are appropriately sealed.
Prioritize Safety with Detectors:
Your smoke detectors aren’t just a good idea; they're mandatory. Current building codes require a smoke detector in every bedroom and one on each floor.
For carbon monoxide alarms, place them near potential sources (like your furnace) and definitely outside sleeping areas - the current building code requirement.
Don't play games when it comes to this silent threat. So, next time you’re waiting for that baked ziti to finish up in the oven, take a quick minute to check those detectors. Peace of mind is priceless, especially when it is your family’s home.
Insulate and Seal Your Attic:
Monitor rooms for drafts or uneven temperatures.
Examine your energy bills for any recent spikes, which could indicate energy inefficiencies.
Check your insulation levels (consider hiring a professional if you're unsure how).
Look for any gaps or cracks in your attic, especially around the hatch.
Ensuring a well-insulated attic can help reduce heating costs during fall and winter.
An air compressor is a great tool to get water out of hose attachments
Drain Garden Hoses:
Turn off the water source - inside your house!
Disconnect and drain your garden hoses. It is best to do this on a sunny day were you can lay them out and easily work with them.
Drain any remaining water from spray nozzles - an air compressor can be a useful tool here.
Store hoses properly to prevent damage during colder months. Freezing water inside a hose can cause damage or necessitate a replacement. A garbage can with a clip on lid is a great solution to keep them dry and safe during the cold months ahead.
So, there ya have it. A quick and easy fall home maintenance guide from your favorite Pittsburgh handyman. But hey, if you're feeling overwhelmed, or just want a pro to handle the heavy lifting, give us a shout. The Pittsburgh Area Handyman is here to help with all your fall home maintenance needs. Let's make sure your home is as ready for winter as you are for a tailgate down at Heinz cough Field!
Need a hand with fall home maintenance? Drop us a request today, and let's get started! Remember, in Pittsburgh, we're all neighbors. Let's look out for each other.
