Winterizing Your Home in the Fall

Disconnect hoses and accessories from exterior faucets. Inspect each faucet for leaks or damaged vacuum breakers. Close interior shutoff valves where present, then drain the exterior branch according to the plumbing configuration.

Insulate vulnerable pipes in garages, crawlspaces, utility rooms, and exterior walls. Pipe insulation reduces exposure but does not correct an active air leak or an unheated space that routinely freezes.

Turn off the irrigation water supply and follow the winterization procedure appropriate for the system. Systems that require compressed-air blowout should be serviced using suitable pressure and volume rather than simply attaching an oversized compressor.

Drain or protect backflow assemblies, filters, pressure regulators, hose-end timers, above-ground manifolds, and exposed drip tubing. Store removable components indoors when practical.

Clean gutters and verify that downspouts are securely attached. Extend downspout discharge away from the foundation where necessary, and correct depressions that collect water near the house.

Water that freezes beside a foundation, walkway, or patio can contribute to frost movement, slippery surfaces, erosion, and repeated moisture exposure.

Replace compressed or missing door weatherstripping and adjust doors that no longer close evenly. Seal exterior gaps around pipes, vents, cables, trim joints, and other penetrations using materials appropriate for the surface and joint movement.

Do not seal required combustion-air openings, drainage gaps, soffit ventilation, or weep holes.

Test the heating system before sustained cold weather arrives. Replace dirty filters and confirm that registers are open and unobstructed.

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, replace expired units, and confirm that fireplaces, fuel-burning appliances, and portable heaters have adequate clearance and ventilation.

Inspect exposed wood, siding, trim, caulk joints, steps, railings, and exterior hardware. Small openings and loose components often worsen after repeated moisture and freeze-thaw exposure.

Drain and store pressure washers, hoses, sprayers, and other water-bearing equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.