Your Home's Fall Checklist

Make sure your house, lawn and septic system are ready for cooler weather with these simple tips!

As the leaves start to turn colors it's important to make sure your home, lawn and septic system are ready for the cooler temperatures of fall. From your gutters to your chimney, there's a lot you can do to ensure your property is ready for the winter. The last thing you want are frozen pipes or a soggy drainfield come January, so here's a simple checklist to make sure everything is in order before things start to freeze. Keep reading to learn more, or contact us today to schedule your Elmira, NY septic tank pumping.

1. Clean Your Gutters

Remove any leaves and "gunk" and flush your gutters with water to be sure they are draining correctly. Clogged gutters are one of the main causes of ice dams that can lead to water damage in your home. Be sure to inspect gutter joints and replace any old or damaged gutters with new ones. Many new ones come with built-in leaf guards to make next year's clean up even easier. Make sure your downspouts are directed away from your house so that you don't have water pooling at the corners of your home leading to a damp basement. Similarly, if you've directed your downspouts to empty out further from your home, make sure they are not taking excess water straight to your drainfield.

2. Caulk Around Windows and Doorframes

This is one of the least expensive maintenance jobs you can do for your home. Making sure your windows and doorframes and properly sealed will keep heat from escaping and water from seeping in which can lead to cracks and mold buildup. Also be sure to add weather stripping to your garage door if it doesn't already have it. This is just another way to better insulate your home for the winter.

3. Inspect Your Roof

Loose and missing shingles can lead to water damage from ice, snow and wind. Make sure your roof is in good condition and be sure to repair any damage so your roof can stand up to tough winter weather. Remember, it's better to repair something now than to deal with a leaky roof during a snowstorm!

4. Have Your Septic Tank Pumped

If you're not sure when you're due to be pumped, don't postpone until spring - get your tank pumped today. The last thing you want is a backed up septic system when your home is full of guests for the holidays! Not to mention it's much more difficult to dig out a buried manhole cover when the ground has frozen. If you are scheduled for service this November-December, be sure to mark where your access point or manhole cover is located in case of an early snow. If you need to schedule service, give us a call at 607-564-7931.

5. Clean Your Chimney

Whether your rely on a coal or wood burning stove for heat, or you simply want to enjoy your gas logs this winter, be sure to have your chimney cleaned first. A thorough cleaning will take care of any build up and remove possible obstructions so you can be sure your fireplace is safe to use when it gets cold. Also check to be sure the damper is working and address any repairs before starting a fire.

6. Seal Your Driveway

Check the driveway for cracks and repair any damage with filler, then coat with a commercial sealer. Sealing your driveway now will protect and extend its life through the winter and beyond. Some local companies will offer a discount if you schedule with a neighbor!

7. Cover Your AC Unit

Keep your system in good condition and prevent rust by covering it up for the winter. If your system is older and you need a new cover you can find one at your local hardware store. Before covering it use a shop vac to vacuum the internal parts, removing dust and dirt. Taking care of your AC unit now will save you time when you turn it back on in the spring.

8. Clean and Ready Yard Equipment

Clean off lawn mowers, leaf blowers and chain saws and be sure to drain fuel from all gas-operated equipment before storing for the winter. Get your winter equipment ready and test run your snow blower to be sure it's in working condition before the first snowfall. You'll also want to make sure snow shovels and rakes are handy.

9. Prepare Your Deck, Patio and Pool for Winter

Be sure to check for any damage to your pool cover and make necessary repairs before it's too late. You'll also want to cover your patio furniture, grill, and empty planters before things begin to freeze. If you have cloth cushions on any patio chairs be sure to remove them and store them somewhere dry for the winter and cover up any open fire pits. Glass table tops should be stored as well or protected with some kind of cover.

10. Clean Up the Yard

Be sure to rake or blow the leaves in your yard before they are covered by snow. Leaves left on the lawn encourage disease by preventing sunlight and air from reaching the grass. Fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn so talk to a lawn care provider about what's best for your grass. If you take good care of it now you'll have the greenest grass in the neighborhood come spring time.

We hope our fall checklist has you feeling excited for a cozy NY winter! Just remember, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your home's largest utility - your septic system. If you're not sure when your tank was last serviced, give us a call today.