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A Family Handyman report outlines nine home, yard and vehicle maintenance tasks to complete before the season’s first frost. The checklist recommends clearing and checking gutters, draining outdoor water lines, protecting exposed pipes, inspecting the roof and heating system, and preparing cars and lawn equipment.
Family Handyman has published a nine-part checklist of home, yard and vehicle tasks to complete before the first frost, including draining outdoor water lines, protecting exposed pipes and checking heating equipment. The report, based on advice from home improvement professionals and tradespeople, focuses on preventive steps intended to reduce the risk of freeze-related damage and cold-weather breakdowns.
The checklist advises homeowners to clear gutters and downspouts, check them for leaks and direct drainage at least 10 feet away from the house. Remodeling expert Michael DiMartino cautions against cleaning gutters before nearby trees have finished dropping their leaves. The report says water that collects near a home can contribute to foundation damage as it freezes and thaws.
For outdoor plumbing, it recommends disconnecting and draining garden hoses, turning off and draining sprinkler systems, and covering outdoor faucets that are not frost-free. Pipes in unheated spaces—including garages, crawl spaces, basements and attics—can be protected with foam sleeves, insulation or heat tape, according to the report. Plumber Tim Fancher also advises sealing gaps that let cold air reach vulnerable plumbing and knowing where the main water shutoff is in case a pipe bursts.
Other tasks include pruning weak tree limbs, preparing lawns and flower beds, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and visually checking the roof and attic for damage or moisture. The checklist also calls for an annual professional HVAC inspection, checking chimneys for debris before using a furnace or fireplace, testing a car battery and checking tires and wipers. For gas-powered lawn equipment, home improvement expert Todd Tripp recommends draining fuel before storage; the report also advises charging batteries for electric equipment.
Preventing Freeze Damage at Home
The checklist matters because frozen water can split pipes, while leaks may cause damage after temperatures rise. Water that drains poorly around a house can also contribute to foundation problems during repeated freezing and thawing. These risks can turn a short period of cold weather into repairs that extend beyond the plumbing itself.
Preparation also covers safety and reliability. A furnace that fails during freezing weather can leave a home without heat, and the report warns that a blocked chimney may not vent properly or could catch fire. Testing a car battery and maintaining lawn equipment address different seasonal problems: cold can make a vehicle harder to start, while fuel left in stored equipment can affect its operation later. The steps are preventive advice, not a guarantee against damage or breakdowns.
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Tasks Before Temperatures Drop
The source is a seasonal maintenance report, not a government alert or announcement of a particular frost date. Its recommendations are framed around completing checks before local temperatures fall to freezing. The article draws on comments from home improvement expert Todd Tripp, remodeling expert Michael DiMartino, plumber Tim Fancher and home improvement expert Eric Goranson.
The checklist links outdoor and indoor preparation: clearing drainage paths and disconnecting hoses sit alongside insulating plumbing, checking windows and doors, and reviewing heating equipment. The report also says to inspect a roof visually for missing, loose or damaged shingles and look for moisture in the attic. It does not provide a region-specific schedule, since frost timing varies by location.
“If you want to save money and protect your pocket book, then jump on the winterization of your home and yard.”
— Todd Tripp, home improvement expert, as quoted by Family Handyman
Local Frost Dates and Home Risks
The report does not identify a specific frost date, location or forecast, so readers need to use local weather information to decide when to complete the work. It also does not estimate costs, quantify how much damage the checklist could prevent or establish that every task is necessary for every property. Roof condition, plumbing layout, climate and equipment differ from home to home.
Some recommendations need further judgment. For example, the source says covering an outdoor air-conditioning condenser is not completely necessary but describes covering it as a practice to protect it from frost; it does not compare cover types or set out a universal instruction. A visual roof check also cannot determine whether hidden damage requires repair. Homeowners should seek qualified help for concerns beyond routine inspection.
Use the Checklist Before Frost
Homeowners can use the report as a seasonal reminder, checking local forecasts and addressing the most exposed systems before freezing weather arrives. The source recommends hiring a professional for an annual HVAC inspection and consulting a qualified tradesperson when a roof, plumbing or heating issue is suspected. It gives no announced follow-up date or new forecast; the immediate next step is preventive maintenance suited to each home and location.
Key Questions
What should homeowners do first before the first frost?
The report prioritizes checking gutters and downspouts, disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems, and protecting pipes in unheated spaces. Which task comes first depends on the home’s condition and local weather.
How far should downspouts carry water from the house?
The Family Handyman checklist recommends extending downspouts so they carry water at least 10 feet away from the house.
How can exposed pipes be protected from freezing?
The report suggests foam insulation sleeves, insulation tape or heat tape for pipes in unheated areas. It also recommends sealing gaps that let cold air reach plumbing and knowing the location of the main water shutoff.
Does the report say an air-conditioning unit must be covered?
No. Tripp says covering or wrapping the outside condenser is not completely necessary, though he describes it as a practice that can protect the unit from frost.
What should be done with gas-powered lawn equipment?
The report recommends draining the fuel or using a fuel stabilizer before storage. Tripp says he drains fuel and runs equipment until it is out of gas, while the article also advises charging batteries for electric-powered equipment.
Source: familyhandyman.com
