Winter home maintenance checklist
Winter is about watching for trouble and catching up on indoor jobs. Keep an eye on pipes and the heat, and use the cold months for the small repairs you've been putting off.
The winter checklist
Tick jobs off as you go. Each one links to a guide with pictures and steps.
If a pipe bursts, you want to find it in seconds.
Find your main water shutoff10–20 min · EasyLow water pressure at one faucet on a cold morning is the warning.
Thaw a frozen pipe safely30 min–2 hrs · ModerateHeat runs a lot; check it every month or two.
Change your HVAC air filter5 min · EasyFires and CO problems peak in the heating season.
Stop a smoke alarm from chirping10 min · EasyLook for water or rust at the base.
Water heater leaking? What to do15–45 min · ModerateOpen vents, clear returns and check dampers.
One room too hot or too cold30–60 min · EasyPress Test and Reset on each one; it takes a minute.
Reset a tripped outlet or breaker5–15 min · EasyA fridge with dusty coils runs longer.
Clean your refrigerator coils20–30 min · EasyDry winter air makes framing shrink and nails pop.
Fix nail pops in drywall30 min + drying · EasyHardwood gaps that open in winter usually close by summer.
Fill gaps between hardwood floorboards1–2 hrs · ModerateSqueaks are often loudest in dry winter air.
Fix a squeaky floor30–60 min · ModerateA good indoor job for a cold weekend.
Touch up wall paint so it doesn't show30 min, plus drying · Easy
Timing suits most US climates. In mild areas, cold-weather jobs can wait a few weeks; in cold ones, start early.
Winter questions
How do I keep pipes from freezing?
Keep the heat on, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls, and let a faucet drip on the coldest nights. Insulate exposed pipes.
Why do nail pops show up in winter?
The wood framing dries out and shrinks, pushing drywall nails out. Fix them once the season settles.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve right away, then turn off power to anything the water reaches and call a plumber.
How do I stop ice dams on the roof?
Ice dams form when attic heat melts snow that refreezes at the cold eaves. Rake snow off the roof edge from the ground, keep gutters clear, and fix the cause with attic air sealing and insulation. See how to prevent ice dams.
I'm going away for a few days. What should I do?
Leave the heat on, set no lower than 55°F, as the American Red Cross advises, and open the cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls. For a long trip, shut off the main water valve and ask someone to check the house.
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