Fall home preparation goes beyond cleaning gutters and raking leaves. It’s also the time to protect your plumbing, prepare your heating equipment, and check for hidden moisture before colder weather arrives.

For homeowners in Sheridan, Buffalo, Ranchester, Dayton, and surrounding communities, these steps can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes, fire damage, and water damage this winter.

In Part 2 of our fall home preparation series, Newman Restoration shares what to check inside and outside your home before temperatures drop.

Protect Outdoor Faucets and Plumbing Before Freezing Weather

A garden hose left connected or an exposed pipe in an unheated space can become a costly problem when temperatures fall. Water expands as it freezes, which can cause pipes to break and release water into walls, ceilings, and flooring.

Before freezing weather arrives, work through this plumbing checklist:

• Disconnect garden hoses. Drain and store hoses, and remove attachments from outdoor faucets.
• Winterize outdoor water lines. Where your plumbing system allows, shut off and drain lines serving outdoor faucets. Ask a licensed plumber if you are unsure how your system works.
• Schedule sprinkler winterization. Follow your irrigation system’s requirements or hire a qualified professional.
• Insulate exposed pipes. Pay attention to plumbing in garages, crawl spaces, and other unheated areas.
• Find your main water shutoff valve. Make sure household members know its location so they can respond quickly if a pipe breaks.

Planning a trip during cold weather? Leave your heat on. The American Red Cross recommends keeping the thermostat set no lower than 55°F while you are away. Vulnerable plumbing may need additional protection, so discuss concerns with a licensed plumber before leaving.

Prepare Your Heating Equipment for the Season

Before you light the first fire or begin relying on your furnace, give your heating equipment some attention.

Schedule Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

A cozy fireplace should start with proper maintenance. Creosote buildup and obstructions can create hazards inside a chimney. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends annual professional cleaning and inspection of chimneys and heating equipment.

Schedule service before using your fireplace or wood stove for the season so a qualified professional can identify buildup, blockages, or damage.

Check Furnace Filters and Airflow

Follow your furnace manufacturer’s instructions for filter replacement and routine maintenance. Check that furniture, rugs, and stored belongings are not blocking supply or return vents.

If you have concerns about your air ducts, ask a qualified professional to evaluate them. The EPA recommends duct cleaning as needed, rather than on a fixed schedule. Substantial visible mold, pest infestations, or excessive debris released from the ducts are reasons to investigate.

Add Dryer Vent Cleaning to Your Fall Checklist

Dryer maintenance is easy to overlook, but it belongs on your home preparation list.

Clean the lint filter every time you use the dryer, and have the vent ductwork cleaned annually. A clean lint screen does not mean the entire exhaust pathway is clear.

If clothes are taking longer than usual to dry, have the vent checked promptly instead of waiting for your next scheduled cleaning. Fall is a convenient time to address this task while you are preparing the rest of your home for winter.

Check for Hidden Leaks and Moisture

A small leak can go unnoticed in a cabinet, basement, or utility room. Before winter, take a few minutes to inspect areas you may not check regularly:

• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
• Around water heaters and accessible plumbing connections.
• Near washing machines and supply hoses.
• Along basement walls and floors.
• Around windows and areas with previous leaks.

Look for damp materials, water stains, peeling paint, musty odors, or visible growth. These signs deserve attention even when there is no standing water.

Fixing the moisture source is essential. Cleaning a surface without correcting the leak or ongoing dampness can allow the problem to return.

Act Quickly If Water Damage Happens

If you discover water damage, address it promptly. The EPA recommends drying water-damaged areas and materials within 24–48 hours to help prevent mold growth.

Water can travel beneath flooring and behind walls, so a surface that looks dry may still have moisture underneath. Professional moisture assessment and drying can help determine which areas are affected and what needs attention.

Water Damage Restoration and Mold Remediation in Sheridan, WY

Fall maintenance can help reduce surprises, but unexpected damage can still happen. If a burst pipe, hidden leak, or moisture problem affects your property, Newman Restoration is here to help.

Our local, family-owned team provides water damage restoration, fire and smoke restoration, and mold remediation in Sheridan, Buffalo, and surrounding communities. We understand how disruptive property damage can be and approach each project with care, communication, and a commitment to doing the job right.

Contact Newman Restoration for help assessing water damage or a suspected mold problem in your home or business.

From chaos to clean.