November maintenance checklist
Two lists, on purpose. Some jobs run on an interval. Others run on a measurement, and no calendar can tell you when — including this one.
Check the data first
These are typically November jobs, but the trigger is a reading, not the date. See today's numbers for your region.
Protect indoor pipes from freezingfirst frost decides this
About 40 minutes. Higher-risk job — read before starting. Our guide
Winterize the irrigation systemfirst frost decides this
About 120 minutes. Higher-risk job — read before starting. Our guide
Shut off and drain outdoor faucetsfirst frost decides this
About 30 minutes. Our guide
Winterize rain barrelsfirst frost decides this
About 30 minutes. Our guide
On the interval
Clear gutters and downspoutshigher risk
About 120 minutes. Needs: ladder, gloves. Our guide
Prep the snow blower for winterhigher risk
About 45 minutes. Needs: fuel stabilizer, cleanout stick. Our guide
Check attic air leaks before ice-dam season
About 60 minutes. Our guide
Winterize the lawn mower
About 60 minutes. Needs: oil, fuel stabilizer. Our guide
Test smoke and CO alarms
About 15 minutes. Our guide
Check and change the HVAC filter
About 10 minutes. Our guide
Decide which perennials to cut back
About 60 minutes. Needs: pruners. Our guide
Mulch fallen leaves into the lawn
About 90 minutes. Needs: mower. Our guide