Is it too early to talk about September Home Maintenance Tips? I think not. It IS September already, but yesterday we still had a full day of sun and it still felt like Summer. Till about 5 pm. That’s when Fall made its first appearance as I went for a walk to the little lake in our neighborhood.

Image credit: Aaron Burden

Some trees are starting, ever so slightly, change their color. And the occasional leaf is already on the pavement. It’s the time of the year that I love. But it’s also a busy moment, with all those back-to-school and back-to-work arrangements to be made.

On this moment, that Fall is luring around the corner, it is the time to do any off-season home maintenance projects. And, oh yes, to truly prepare your home for winter.

September Home Maintenance Tips

This list of home maintenance projects is ideally accomplished in or around September:

1. Paint the inside of your house if needed.
2. Remove ‘pop-up’- drain plugs and clean.
3. Check valve where water enters the house, outdoor faucets, or any valves to fixtures, such as to toilet, bathroom or kitchen sink, bar, etc. Turn each off and on several times to make certain they operate properly. Check for leaks.
4. Inspect grout around sinks, tubs and showers.
5. Repair or replace damaged areas.
6. Inspect your water heater for leaks and flush tank.
7. Test temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Clean patio furniture and prepare for winter storage. Protect metal surfaces with auto polish. Clean and cover the barbecue grill. Refinish wood surfaces as needed.

I started with refinishing our wooden garden benches, as frankly that appeared to be the most fun project to do. The rest is still on the ‘todo’ list.

Over to you

What are you planning to do around the house this September?