Late fall — last call for outdoor tasks and heating prep. Here are the tasks worth doing in November — sorted so you start with what matters most.
Water heater
The temperature & pressure-relief valve is a safety device that prevents the tank from over-pressurizing.
A stuck TPR valve turns a water heater into a dangerous pressure vessel.
How & when to do itRoof & gutters
Clogged gutters send water into your foundation, fascia, and basement.
Foundation cracks and basement flooding — repairs run into the thousands.
How & when to do itWater heater
Sediment buildup wastes energy and corrodes the tank from the inside.
A ruptured tank that floods the floor — and a surprise $1,200 replacement.
How & when to do itLawn & irrigation
Water left in lines freezes, expands, and cracks pipes and valves.
Burst irrigation lines and a spring full of repairs.
How & when to do itRoof & gutters
Flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys is where most roof leaks actually start.
Failed flashing leaks water into the attic long before shingles look worn.
How & when to do itExterior & siding
Fresh weatherstripping around doors and windows stops drafts and lowers heating and cooling bills.
Worn seals leak conditioned air all year, quietly raising every energy bill.
How & when to do itWater heater
The sacrificial anode rod corrodes so the tank doesn't; replacing a spent rod can double tank life.
Once the rod is gone, the tank rusts from the inside and fails years early.
How & when to do itExterior & siding
Fresh caulk keeps water and pests out and cuts drafts.
Water intrusion behind siding leads to rot and mold.
How & when to do it