Get Ahead Before the Deep Freeze

Cool mornings, crisp afternoons, Halloween decorations, and cozy fires are just around the corner! October in Kansas City is when the leaves change, and with the promise of winter hanging in the air, it's essential to carve out time to prep your home for the coming winter season.

It's essential to complete the key tasks now so you won't be cursing yourself in December, but there's no need to get overwhelmed! Here's your comprehensive guide for which October maintenance tasks to prioritize:

1. Winterize Sprinklers and Hoses

Why: Leaving water in irrigation lines or hoses is a surefire way to rack up repair bills come spring. As the water freezes and expands, these lines can burst and cause bigger (and more expensive) problems. Take care of this quick and easy chore now to ensure things stay simple later!

How to Do It:

• Sprinklers: Hire an irrigation professional to blow out your in-ground system with an air compressor to purge every last bit of water. This process costs around $80 in Kansas City, but it's way cheaper than the alternative of fixing cracked lines.
• Hoses & Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect and drain all garden hoses completely, then coil them up in the garage or shed. If you have inside shutoff valves for exterior faucets, turn those off and open the outdoor faucet to drain the water. For frost-free spigots, removing hoses usually does the trick, but shutting off the inside valve is an extra precaution.
• Extras: Add foam covers to each spigot for extra freeze protection. You can purchase these inexpensive devices at your local hardware store. Make sure to leave no stone unturned, and don't forget to drain watering wands, hose splitters, timers, and rain barrels.

Pro Tip: Does your outdoor kitchen have a sink? Be sure to winterize those lines now in 50-degree weather before a surprise freeze creates a big problem!

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Why: Leaves fall faster than you can keep up with in October. If gutters remain clogged before the snow starts, it can lead to ice dams, roof leaks, and water around your foundation. While October snow is rare in KC, it is not unheard of; it's better to be safe than sorry!

How to Do It:

• Grab gloves and a stable ladder, and scoop out leaves, dirt, and other gunk by hand.
• Flush the gutter with a hose to ensure it flows without obstruction.
• Check downspouts to make sure they are clear and carrying water away from the foundation. Attach extensions if needed.
• Since leaves fall over several weeks, you'll likely need to do this 2–3 times before winter, especially with mature trees nearby.

Pro Tip: Are you tired of the constant cleaning? Consider installing gutter guards or leaf strainers to minimize future work. Also, keep an eye out for roof granules in the gutters, as this can indicate aging shingles.

3. Yard Leaf Management

Why: Falling leaves create a cozy autumn atmosphere...until they smother your lawn, clog drains, and create pest hotels against your foundation.

How to Do It:

• Rake or mulch mow regularly throughout the month. You don't have to remove every leaf, but it's important to avoid thick, wet layers building up.
• Compost what you can or bag it for city pickup. You can also pile leaves onto garden beds as mulch or insulator if you want.
• Keep leaves out of window wells, off driveways, and away from sidewalks, as they get slippery when wet.

Pro Tip: This chore can be a cherished memory, so make it a family event and let kids (and adults) jump in piles before you bag them up! Don't forget about your AC condenser; clear out leaves and put on a breathable cover once you're done using it. Avoid wrapping it too tightly, as this can trap moisture.

4. Heating System Final Prep

Why: Your furnace will be running non-stop as nights get colder. Prepping it now avoids mid-winter breakdowns.

How to Do It:

• Even if you changed it last month, replace the furnace filter by November at the latest. Cheap filters need to be replaced monthly with heavy use.
• Test your thermostat to ensure it flips to heat mode. Consider programming it for fall/winter schedules.
• If you have a whole-house humidifier, turn it on and set it to about 35% to start. You can adjust it lower if windows fog up.
• Bleed hot-water radiators by opening the valve until water runs out. This will push out trapped air.
• Dig out any space heaters you use and test them now. You don't want to be scrambling in a cold snap.

Pro Tip: Safety first! Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.

5. Pest Control Around the House

Why: When temperatures drop, you aren't the only one who wants to be inside where it's warm! Spiders, boxelder bugs, stink bugs, and mice are all looking for cozy shelter.

How to Do It:

• Spray a perimeter insecticide around the base of your foundation and entry points.
• While spraying, look for and seal any new gaps you find. Even the most minor cracks can invite bugs and mice.
• Check the garage door seals for gaps and replace if needed.
• Set a few mousetraps or bait stations in the garage or basement corners.
• Ensure that any pet food and birdseed are stored in sealed containers.

Pro Tip: Knock down any old wasp nests on the eaves before they get reused next year. Ladybugs often cluster on sunny walls in the fall, so vacuum any inside visitors and ensure that window seals are tight.

6. Check Emergency Supplies

Why: Fall storms and early freezes can mean power outages. Remember those KC ice storms? Don't get caught unprepared.

How to Do It:

• Ice melt or sand for sidewalks sells out fast once temps drop. Get ahead of the curve and stock up now.
• Snow shovels should be easily accessible, not buried behind summer gear.
• Test your generator. Make sure you have fresh gasoline with stabilizer added.
• Check flashlight batteries and stock candles, matches, or lanterns.
• Charge portable power banks for your phones.
• Test your sump pump and any battery backups. You'll really need them in the event of a power outage.

Pro Tip: Keep an emergency kit with blankets, a portable radio, and non-perishable food handy. For tornado safety, double-check your safe spot has everything you need. October can still bring severe weather in the Midwest.

7. Clean Dryer Vents

Why: This is more than just maintenance: lint buildup is a significant fire risk.

How to Do It:

• Empty the lint trap after every load to minimize buildup.
• Disconnect and vacuum the dryer vent pipe if you can reach it safely.
• If possible, keep your vent straight. Pipes that twist around corners are more likely to clog.

Pro Tip: Are your clothes taking longer to dry? This could be your warning sign. If in doubt, hire a professional for around $100–$200 to ensure a thorough cleaning.

8. Seal Outdoor Surfaces

Why: Cold weather and snow can cause paint to peel, let in moisture, and rot wood.

How to Do It:

• Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt between planks or in cracks.
• Wait at least 48 hours to let it dry, then sand with 80-grit paper.
• Sweep or vacuum away debris before applying a high-quality exterior sealant or stain to protect your home all season long.

Pro Tip: If you'd rather not DIY, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,300 for a KC pro to complete this task, depending on the size and complexity.

9. Store Yard Furniture

Why: Nothing fades outdoor furniture faster than leaving it exposed all winter.

How to Do It:

• Store your grill, chairs, and tables in a shed or garage.
• If you don't have this kind of space, invest in quality covers to keep out snow and rain.

Pro Tip: This is one task you don't need to pay anyone for! It's a simple 10-minute job that saves you money next spring.

10. Do a "Fall Cleaning"

Why: You'll spend a lot of the next few months inside warming up. Clean now and breathe easier all winter.

How to Do It:

• Take advantage of the nicer weather and open the windows on a crisp day to air things out.
• Dust ceiling fans, corners, baseboards.
• Wash drapes, dust blinds, and clean window screens before storing them.
• Wash windows inside and out.

Pro Tip: Consider hiring a professional to deep clean carpets or rugs once a year. Prices range from $100 to $250, but it's worth it to remove summer's allergens and dirt.

11. Feed and Seed Your Lawn

Why: After a brutal summer, your grass is stressed. Fall is the best time to repair damage and prep for spring.

How to Do It:

• Be sure to select a seed that is suitable for your region. You can test your soil using a DIY kit to ensure it has sufficient nutrients, if you wish.
• Spread seed by hand or with a spreader, then water regularly.

Pro Tip: If you're not into DIY when it comes to your lawn, consider hiring a professional. Costs typically range from $250 to $1,300, depending on the yard size.

Final Thoughts

October in the Midwest is go time for winter prep. Handling these tasks now while it's still pleasant outside can save you many headaches once the real cold sets in!

Need a trusted KC professional for anything on this list? I would love to share my local connections and knowledge with you! Call or text 816-328-2887 today to stay warm, safe, and prepared for whatever our unpredictable weather brings. Happy October!