The most important job this month is to head off damage to your home from water and dampness from a number of sources:
-Groundwater and rain seeping into your home.
-Leaky pipes inside the walls.
-Pipes bursting from freezing and thawing.
Take a tour
Walk around the house, checking for damage from wind and broken tree limbs. Scan for loose or missing shingles on your roof. Give special attention to vulnerable pipes — indoors and out — that are exposed to the cold, including hose bibs, pipes in outside walls, garden sprinkler lines, swimming pool pipes and pipes in unheated attics, basements and garages.
Leak Prevention
- Install small, battery-powered individual leak alarms, also called flood alarms, under the refrigerator, kitchen and bathroom drain pipes, dishwasher and laundry appliances and behind toilets.
-Check to make sure your sump pump is operating properly.
Look for pests seeking shelter
- Seal any cracks where pests enter.
- Empty compost and garbage frequently.
- Keep food covered and put away; keep counters clean.
- Fix leaky pipes quickly.
- Pour boiling water down bathroom and kitchen drains monthly, preventing the buildup of bacteria-laden sludge; scrub removable drain covers weekly.
- Check basement, attic, crawl spaces and the back of cupboards and cabinets for mice droppings or holes. If you find evidence, install traps immediately or call a pest-control service.
- Pick up and dispose of outdoor pet waste promptly; turn compost piles frequently
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