TL;DR
Get home appliances delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Family Handyman published a 10-item checklist of home, yard and vehicle preparations to complete before the first frost. The recommendations include clearing gutters, draining outdoor water lines, insulating exposed pipes and arranging an HVAC inspection; the source does not specify a publication date or a frost forecast for any location.
Family Handyman has published a 10-item checklist for preparing homes, yards and vehicles before the season’s first frost, covering tasks such as draining outdoor water lines, checking roofs and testing car batteries. The guidance matters because freezing weather can damage plumbing and outdoor equipment, while deferred maintenance may leave heating systems and vehicles unready for cold conditions.
The checklist advises homeowners to clear gutters and downspouts, check them for leaks and direct water at least 10 feet from the house. It cautions that cleaning too early, before nearby trees have finished shedding leaves, may mean debris builds up again. The report says water collecting around a home can contribute to foundation damage as it freezes and thaws.
For outdoor plumbing, the recommendations are to disconnect and drain garden hoses, turn off and drain sprinkler systems, and use covers on outdoor faucets that are not frost-free. Pipes in unheated spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, basements, attics and exterior walls may need foam sleeves or insulation tape; the report also mentions heat tape. It recommends sealing drafts near windows, doors, foundations and pipe openings, and knowing where the main water shutoff is in case a pipe breaks.
Other tasks include pruning weak tree limbs and shrubs, checking windows and doors for gaps, visually inspecting the roof and attic for damage or moisture, and arranging an annual professional HVAC inspection. The article also recommends checking chimney openings for debris before using a furnace or fireplace. For vehicles, it suggests testing the battery and checking tires and windshield wipers. Gas-powered lawn equipment should have its fuel drained or stabilized before storage; electric equipment batteries should be charged, according to the checklist.
Preventing Freeze Damage at Home
The checklist addresses problems that can become expensive or disruptive when water freezes. Frozen pipes can split, with leaks causing damage after temperatures rise; outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems can also fail if water remains inside them. Directing runoff away from the house and checking the roof may help homeowners spot conditions that could worsen through winter weather.
Preparation also concerns comfort and safety. A failed heating system during a cold spell can leave a home without heat, while a poorly vented fireplace or furnace can pose a hazard. Battery and tire checks may reduce the chance of vehicle trouble in cold weather. These are recommendations from the article, not guarantees that following the checklist will prevent every breakdown or repair.
Products Worth Considering
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus, 1080p HD Outdoor Security Camera with Motion-Activated Floodlights, 4-Pack, White
Philips Hue Festavia Globe Outdoor String Lights, 32 Bulbs, 91 ft
Ring Outdoor Cam 4K Plus Battery Security Camera, 3-Pack, White
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Ten Tasks Before Temperatures Drop
The source is a Family Handyman home-maintenance report that gathers advice from home improvement professionals and a plumber. It organizes the work around the first frost rather than a specific date, since frost timing differs by location and year. The supplied material does not give a publication date, identify a particular region or report a new weather forecast.
Several recommendations are seasonal maintenance rather than emergency measures: pruning trees, applying winter fertilizer, checking seals and tuning up heating equipment. For the yard, the article suggests putting hoses and garden equipment away after draining them. It also notes that fogging between window panes can indicate a failed seal, and that moisture in an attic or leaks inside the home may point to a roof problem. Those signs call for further inspection rather than a diagnosis on their own.
“If you want to save money and protect your pocket book, then jump on the winterization of your home and yard.”
— Home improvement expert Todd Tripp, as quoted by Family Handyman
Local Frost Dates and Repair Needs
The source does not identify when the first frost is expected in any particular area, so readers must consult local forecasts for timing. It also does not estimate the cost of the recommended work or say which homes are most likely to need repairs. A visual roof inspection, window fogging or signs of moisture can flag possible concerns, but the article does not treat them as proof of a specific fault. The checklist is general guidance; the condition of an individual home, its plumbing and its equipment remains unknown.
Use the Checklist Before Frost
The next step for homeowners is to check local frost forecasts and schedule tasks ahead of the first expected freeze, allowing time for a heating-system appointment or repairs if needed. Gutters may need a final check after nearby trees have shed their leaves. Homeowners who find roof leaks, damaged plumbing, unsafe heating equipment or signs of a failed system should seek qualified help rather than assume a checklist item is a substitute for inspection.
Family Handyman’s report does not announce a follow-up date, a new checklist version or additional reporting. The specific work required will depend on local weather and each property’s condition.
Key Questions
What should homeowners do first before the first frost?
Start with outdoor water lines: disconnect and drain hoses, turn off and drain sprinklers, and protect outdoor faucets that are not frost-free. Check local forecasts to set a practical deadline.
How far should downspouts direct water from a house?
The Family Handyman checklist recommends extending downspouts so they carry water at least 10 feet away from the house. It also advises checking gutters for debris and leaks.
Does the checklist say to cover an outdoor air-conditioning unit?
It says covering or wrapping an outdoor condenser is not completely necessary, but describes it as a practice that can protect the unit from frost. The article does not specify a particular cover or model-specific procedure.
What should I do if I find a leak or a damaged roof?
The checklist recommends inspecting the roof visually and looking for moisture in the attic or leaks inside the home. Those signs may indicate a repair need; arrange a qualified inspection to determine the cause and appropriate work.
Source: familyhandyman.com
