{"id":6063,"date":"2015-10-02T11:00:18","date_gmt":"2015-10-02T15:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=6063"},"modified":"2024-02-12T17:42:10","modified_gmt":"2024-02-12T22:42:10","slug":"fall-home-maintenance-checklist-for-weekend-warriors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/fall-home-maintenance-checklist-for-weekend-warriors\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Weekend Warriors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Now that fall has arrived, it&#8217;s time to get moving on those important home maintenance chores to prepare your house for the harsh winter ahead. <strong>By taking preventative steps now, you&#8217;ll ensure that your family is safe and comfortable and you&#8217;ll prevent damage that can result in costly emergency repairs.<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Here&#8217;s a checklist of tasks that most homeowners can tackle in one or two fall weekends. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Included are some tips and tools to lighten the workload.<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6084\" title=\"Fall is the best time to tackle home maintenance chores to get your house ready for winter.\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/1503877283_c8f6a56828_b.jpg\" alt=\"home maintenance\" width=\"376\" height=\"282\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>1) Heating Systems &#8212; Inspect and Clean Furnace and Chimney<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Have an HVAC professional inspect\/repair your furnace and replace the filters. Make your appointment early in the fall to avoid the heating season rush.<\/li>\n<li>If you have a fireplace, wood or pellet stove, make sure the chimney and flue are clean of creosote and soot to prevent chimney fires and improve efficiency. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0With a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8551-sooteater-rch205-rotary-chimney-cleaning-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8551-sooteater-rch205-rotary-chimney-cleaning-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">do-it-yourself chimney cleaning system<\/a><\/strong>, you can clean your own chimney from inside the house using a power drill and the special tools that come in the kit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>2) Outdoor Water &#8212; Winterize Sprinklers and Faucets<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8377-kh-pet-products-thermo-hose-rubber.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8377-kh-pet-products-thermo-hose-rubber.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"Just plug in the Thermo-Hose for 20 minutes and you'll have an ice-free, flexible hose to use in the cold.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/8377.jpg\" alt=\"K&amp;H Pet Products Thermo-Hose Rubber\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" \/><\/a>Prevent outdoor pipes from freezing and cracking by turning off all outdoor water faucets using the shut-off valves in the basement. Be sure to leave outside faucet handles open.<\/li>\n<li>Winterize outdoor sprinkler system by turning off the water at the source and drain.<\/li>\n<li>Winterize your swimming pool by following these steps listed <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/home.howstuffworks.com\/how-to-winterize-above-ground-pool.htm');\"  href=\"http:\/\/home.howstuffworks.com\/how-to-winterize-above-ground-pool.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0To prolong the life of your expensive pool cover, invest in a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-441-pool-cover-pumps.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-441-pool-cover-pumps.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pool cover pump<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0to remove standing water.<\/li>\n<li>Disconnect, drain and store garden hoses in the garage or shed.<\/li>\n<li>If you know that you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ll need the garden hose during the winter months for pets or to fill an outdoor hot tub or pond, get a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8377-kh-pet-products-thermo-hose-rubber.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8377-kh-pet-products-thermo-hose-rubber.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">thermostatically-controlled rubber hose<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that you plug in for 20 minutes before using. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0It will give you\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0ice-free outdoor water all winter long.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>3) Indoor Plumbing &#8212; Protect by Insulating and Alarming<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-405-abs-pumps-ltd.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-405-abs-pumps-ltd.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"Prevent flooded basements by installing a sump pump, especially if your lot has poor drainage or the water table is high.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/5970.jpg\" alt=\"ABS Robusta 100TS - 1\/4 hp Sump Pump\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" \/><\/a>Protect indoor pipes in unheated locations including the attic, basement, crawlspace and garage by wrapping them with insulated tape or flexible molded pipe sleeves so they don&#8217;t freeze and burst during a long cold spell or if the heat or power goes out.<\/li>\n<li>If you have a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-405-abs-pumps-ltd.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-405-abs-pumps-ltd.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sump pump<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0in your basement, now is the time to check that it is working properly and is not blocked.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 To receive alerts that the <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/combat-basement-flooding-with-a-sump-pump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sump pump<\/a><\/strong> has malfunctioned, consider installing a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6179-reliance-controls-sump-pump-alarm-and-flood-alert.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6179-reliance-controls-sump-pump-alarm-and-flood-alert.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201clocal\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d sump alarm<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that sounds a loud alert or a callout <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8017-pitboss-cellular-pump-alarm.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8017-pitboss-cellular-pump-alarm.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cellular pump alarm<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that sends text message alerts to your cell phone, ensuring you&#8217;ll be notified of sump pump problems even when you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>4) Gutters &#8212; \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Clean to Prevent Ice Dams and Leaks<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8554-vertalok-vgs722-gutter-cleaning-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8554-vertalok-vgs722-gutter-cleaning-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"Save money by cleaning your gutters yourself with this easy-to-use DIY kit.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/product\/medium\/8554_1_.jpg\" alt=\"VertaLok VGS722 Gutter Cleaning System\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a>Prevent ice dams from forming by cleaning fallen leaves and twigs out of your home\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s gutters in the fall. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0This will also allow melting ice and snow to drain away from the house.<\/li>\n<li>Save yourself $100 to $200+ by using a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8554-vertalok-vgs722-gutter-cleaning-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8554-vertalok-vgs722-gutter-cleaning-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">do-it-yourself gutter cleaning tool kit<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0instead of hiring a professional gutter cleaner. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0These easy-to-use DIY systems hook up to a garden hose and let you remove leaves and debris from your gutters without having to get up on a ladder.<\/li>\n<li>Repair or replace missing gutters, downspouts or facia boards.<\/li>\n<li>Add extensions to downspouts to direct water 3 to 4 feet away from the foundation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>5) Destructive Critters &#8212; Prevent Invasions to House and Vehicles<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Inspect the exterior of your house and garage for openings that pesky animals, rodents and insects can penetrate and seal with caulking or screening.<\/li>\n<li>Get an\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-186-animal-pest-deterrents.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-186-animal-pest-deterrents.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">electronic animal and pest deterrent<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that uses high-intensity ultrasonic sound waves that are irritating to critters.<strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>This inexpensive device\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0also works to drive away small animals that like to nest under the hoods of cars, lawnmowers, boats and snowmobiles and chew on the wiring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>6) Annual Home Safety Inspection<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Replace batteries in\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/search.aspx?searchterm=smoke+detector');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/search.aspx?searchterm=smoke+detector\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">smoke detectors<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/search.aspx?searchterm=Carbon+monoxide');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/search.aspx?searchterm=Carbon+monoxide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">carbon monoxide (CO) detectors<\/a><\/strong> and vacuum with a soft brush.<\/li>\n<li>Test <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/which-type-of-smoke-detector-is-best-for-the-kitchen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">smoke detectors<\/a><\/strong> by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit. Check the expiration date on your CO detectors and replace if necessary.<\/li>\n<li>Every home should have at least one <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.usfa.fema.gov\/prevention\/outreach\/extinguishers.html');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.usfa.fema.gov\/prevention\/outreach\/extinguishers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fire extinguisher<\/a><\/strong> rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating on the label). At a minimum, keep one near the kitchen. One per floor is recommended. Check the indicator on the pressure gauge to make sure the extinguisher is charged.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>7) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Stock up On Supplies<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8118-midland-er-102-7-channel-emergency-crank-radio-with-amfmweather-alert-black-and-white.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8118-midland-er-102-7-channel-emergency-crank-radio-with-amfmweather-alert-black-and-white.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"If the power is out, you can recharge the batteries in this weather radio by using the hand crank.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/8118.jpg\" alt=\"Midland ER-102 7-Channel Emergency Crank Radio with AM\/FM\/Weather Alert\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a>In addition to completing these home maintenance chores, fall is a good time to stock up on cold-weather supplies such as snow shovels, snow blowers, salt and ice melt. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0By shopping early, you&#8217;ll avoid long checkout lines and empty shelves when the first winter storm arrives.<\/li>\n<li>Order heating fuel now and stock up on firewood.<\/li>\n<li>Prepare for the inevitable winter power outage by having extra batteries, bottled water, medicines and canned food on hand. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Consider getting a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8118-midland-er-102-7-channel-emergency-crank-radio-with-amfmweather-alert-black-and-white.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8118-midland-er-102-7-channel-emergency-crank-radio-with-amfmweather-alert-black-and-white.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hand-crank radio<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0or battery-powered\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-352-weather-alert-radios.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-352-weather-alert-radios.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NOAA Weather Radio<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0to stay informed of severe weather developments and other emergencies.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0In the event your landline phone goes out, it&#8217;s a good idea to keep a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8643-powernow-grande-tablet-ipad-and-cell-phone-charger.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8643-powernow-grande-tablet-ipad-and-cell-phone-charger.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mobile phone charger<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0on hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Now that fall has arrived, it&#8217;s time to get moving on those important home maintenance chores to prepare your house for the harsh winter ahead. By taking preventative steps now, you&#8217;ll ensure that your family is safe and comfortable and you&#8217;ll prevent damage that can&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/fall-home-maintenance-checklist-for-weekend-warriors\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6165,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,9,189,178],"tags":[688,421,715,578,488,691,498,499,457,649,460,456,589,276,470,31],"class_list":["post-6063","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flood-intervention","category-home-monitoring-security","category-independent-living-aid","category-pet-care-pet-safety","tag-carbon-monoxide-alarms","tag-carbon-monoxide-detectors","tag-cellular-sump-alarm","tag-chimney-cleaning-tools","tag-chimney-sweep-rotary-cleaning-system","tag-co-detectors","tag-gutter-cleaning-system","tag-gutter-cleaning-tools","tag-hand-crank-flashlight","tag-heated-garden-hose","tag-mobile-phone-charger","tag-noaa-weather-alert-radio","tag-pool-cover-pump","tag-smoke-detectors","tag-sump-pump-alarms","tag-sump-pumps","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6063"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6063\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11413,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6063\/revisions\/11413"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6063"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}