Fall and freeze-up checklist
20 tasks · Updated Nov 2, 2026 · From the Eavewell team
In cold country, fall is the season that saves you money. A few hours before the first hard freeze keeps water out of places it can freeze and crack, gets the furnace ready for months of work, and catches small roof and gutter problems before snow sits on them.
Outdoor water
- Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucetsWater trapped in a hooked-up hose freezes back into the faucet and can split the pipe inside the wall.
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucetsClose the shutoff valve inside, then open the outdoor faucet so the water left in the line drains out.
- Blow out sprinkler linesWater left in the lines freezes and cracks pipes and heads. Many lawn companies do this for a set fee.
- Drain and store hosesA hose left full of water splits when it freezes.
Heating
- Replace the furnace filterA clean filter lets the furnace move air easily, so it heats the house without working harder than it has to.
- Get a furnace tune-upA technician checks the burners, flame sensor and venting, the parts that tend to fail on the coldest night.
- Test your carbon monoxide detectorsThe furnace, water heater and any fireplace run more in winter. Press the test button on each one.
- Check the furnace exhaust and intake outsideOn high-efficiency furnaces, the white plastic pipes outside must stay clear of snow, leaves and nests.
- Have the chimney inspected before the first fireCreosote buildup and blocked flues cause chimney fires.
Roof and outside
- Clean the gutters after the leaves fallClogged gutters overflow, and in winter that water freezes into ice dams at the roof edge.
- Make sure downspouts point away from the houseWater dumped next to the foundation ends up in the basement when it thaws.
- Look over the roof from the groundMissing or lifted shingles are easier to fix before snow and ice sit on them.
- Seal gaps around windows, doors and outdoor outletsSmall gaps let in cold air and let warm, moist air out, where it can cause frost and rot.
Inside
- Find your main water shutoff and make sure it turnsIf a pipe bursts, shutting the water off fast is what limits the damage.
- Insulate pipes in unheated spacesPipes along outside walls, in crawl spaces or in the garage freeze first.
- Test the sump pumpPour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it kicks on. Spring melt is when it matters.
- Check the humidifier pad and settingsWinter air is dry, but too much humidity frosts up windows and walls.
Vehicles and equipment
- Get the snowblower running before you need itChange the oil, check the spark plug and run it for a few minutes while it's still warm out.
- Run the lawn mower dry or add fuel stabilizerOld gas gums up a carburetor over the winter.
- Check block heater cords and tank heatersA cracked cord is a shock risk, and a dead heater means a frozen engine or stock tank on the first cold night.
Keep track of it with Eavewell
Add your home and what’s in it, and Eavewell turns checklists like this one into reminders, by email or text, before each job is due. Free to start.
Start freeQuestions
When should I shut off my outdoor faucets?
Before the first night forecast to drop well below freezing. In the northern plains that's often in October. Eavewell can text you when a hard freeze is in your forecast.
Do frost-free outdoor faucets still need draining?
They're built to drain themselves, but only if the hose is disconnected. A hose left on traps water in the faucet.
How often should a furnace filter be changed?
Every 1 to 3 months for common 1-inch filters, and more often with pets. Thicker media filters last longer; check the label.