Autumn house check: what to do before the frost

Water and frost

Water freezing in pipes and taps can cause some of the costliest damage in autumn. Start here, ideally before the nights drop below zero.

• Turn off and drain the outdoor tapsBefore the first night frostClose the shut-off valve indoors, open the outdoor tap and let the water run out. If you have a frost-proof tap, follow the manufacturer’s winter instructions. Always disconnect the hose and remove fittings that can hold water.
• Drain and bring in the garden hosesBefore the first night frostA hose left connected can keep water in the tap so that it freezes and bursts. Drain it and store it somewhere frost-free.
• Check that water drains away from the foundationDuring the autumnDownpipes should end in a splash block or a drain, and the ground next to the house should slope away from it. Clear leaves from the drain grates.

Roof and gutters

• Clear the gutters and downpipesOnce the leaves have fallenBlocked gutters overflow and can bring damp into the walls and foundation. Clear them from a steady ladder, or from the ground with a long-handled tool. Do not go up on the roof yourself; get help if the gutters can only be reached from there.
• Look for loose tiles and damaged flashingAfter autumn stormsLooking from the ground is usually enough, ideally with binoculars. Let a roofer fix any damage rather than climbing up yourself.

Heating and ventilation

• Bleed the radiatorsBefore the heating seasonIf the radiators are cold at the top or gurgle, bleed them and check the system pressure afterwards.
• Clear the heat pump outdoor unitDuring autumn and winterRemove leaves, snow and ice around the outdoor unit so that air can flow and meltwater can drain away.
• Replace or clean the ventilation filterAs the manual saysIf the house has a heat recovery or exhaust ventilation unit, replace or clean the filter as often as the manufacturer says, often once or twice a year.

Fire safety

• Test the smoke alarmsNow and then every monthHold the test button until the alarm beeps. The Swedish Civil Defence Agency recommends at least one smoke alarm on every floor.
• Check the fireplace before you light itBefore the heating seasonPut the ash in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid on a non-combustible surface; embers can stay alive for several days. Check that the door seal and the damper work.

The garden

• Rake the leaves off the lawnOnce the leaves have fallenA thick layer of leaves left over the winter can smother the grass. Put them in the beds or on the compost.
• Put the beds to bed for winterBefore the ground freezesWeed, protect tender plants and plant spring bulbs while the soil can still be dug.
• Store or cover the garden furnitureDuring the autumnFurniture and cushions last longer if they are kept dry and sheltered over the winter.