Indiana winters can be unpredictable, but one thing is certain: freezing temperatures are on their way!

A little preparation now can save homeowners from costly repairs, unexpected headaches, and last-minute service calls. Whether you’re tackling a few simple tasks yourself or calling in a professional, this checklist will help you protect your home before winter arrives.

Ready to get started? Let’s check a few things off your list!

Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

☐ 1. Disconnect and Drain Your Garden Hoses

If you do nothing else this fall, do this! Leaving a garden hose attached to an outdoor spigot can trap water inside the faucet. When temperatures drop, that water can freeze, expand, and potentially burst a pipe inside your home’s walls.

Disconnect your hoses, drain any remaining water, and store them for winter.

Pros who can help: Hope Plumbing (Indianapolis) and Hudson Plumbing (Bloomington).

☐ 2. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets

Disconnecting hoses is important, but don’t forget about the faucets themselves!

If your outdoor faucets have dedicated interior shutoff valves, close them and open the exterior taps to drain any remaining water. Insulated faucet covers can provide an additional layer of protection.

It’s a simple step that could save you from expensive water damage.

☐ 3. Winterize Your Irrigation System and Pool

Water left inside irrigation lines, pool plumbing, and equipment can freeze and cause significant damage. Proper winterization helps protect these systems and prevents unpleasant surprises when spring arrives.

Schedule professional winterization before temperatures drop below freezing.

Pros who can help: Haulstr Irrigation (Indianapolis) and Scott Pools.

☐ 4. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Falling leaves are beautiful, but they can create problems when they accumulate in your gutters.

Clogged gutters prevent water from draining properly, increasing the risk of ice dams, overflowing water, and moisture collecting near your home’s foundation.

Clear leaves and debris before winter weather sets in!

Pros who can help: On the Spot Home Services (Indianapolis) and Exterior Detail (Bloomington).

☐ 5. Schedule Furnace Maintenance and Replace Filters

The last thing anyone wants is a furnace that stops working during an Indiana cold snap!

Schedule routine furnace maintenance to identify potential problems, replace air filters, and make sure your heating system is operating efficiently.

Reliable heating doesn’t just keep your family comfortable. It also helps protect your home’s plumbing from freezing temperatures.

Pros who can help: LOVE HVAC (Indianapolis) and Wheelock Heating & Cooling (Bloomington).

☐ 6. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Feeling a chilly breeze near your windows or doors? Your home could be losing valuable heat.

Inspect weatherstripping, door sweeps, and caulking around exterior openings. Replacing worn materials can help keep warm air inside, lower heating costs, and protect pipes near exterior walls.

Pros who can help: Modern Day Window and Door (Indianapolis) and Woodward Home Services (Bloomington).

☐ 7. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas of your home are especially vulnerable during freezing temperatures.

Check crawl spaces, garages, attics, and areas near exterior walls for exposed plumbing. In many cases, inexpensive foam pipe sleeves can provide an additional layer of protection.

A little insulation now could prevent a major plumbing headache later!

Pros who can help: Hope Plumbing (Indianapolis) and Hudson Plumbing (Bloomington).

☐ 8. Have Your Chimney Inspected Before Your First Fire

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm fireplace on a chilly evening. But before lighting that first fire, make sure your chimney is ready!

Creosote buildup, debris, and blockages can create serious fire hazards. Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning as needed to keep your fireplace operating safely.

Pro who can help: All Swept Up Chimney Solutions (Indianapolis and Bloomington).

☐ 9. Start Planning Your Spring Projects

Believe it or not, fall is also a great time to start planning next year’s home improvements!

Many contractors have more flexibility during the colder months, making this an ideal opportunity to request estimates, discuss project ideas, and get ahead of busy spring schedules.

You may even find opportunities for off-season savings!

Thinking about a new deck, patio, outdoor living space, or artificial putting green? Now’s a great time to start the conversation.

Pro to consider: Indy Putting Greens (Central Indiana), specializing in artificial turf and custom putting greens.

Want to Check these Tasks Off As You Go?

We’ve made it easy! Download and print our FREE Fall Home Maintenance Checklist to keep your home winter-ready.

And remember, you don’t have to tackle everything yourself! Use your checklist alongside your Neighbor Serve membership to connect with trusted local pros who can help you get the job done.

[Download Your Free Checklist →]