Your Complete Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist for Pittsburgh Homeowners

Test sump pump by pouring water into the pit to activate it. Verify the discharge line is clear and draining properly away from your foundation.

Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly. Check for damage caused by ice and winter storms, and ensure water flows freely.

Inspect all outdoor faucets for frost damage. Turn on each faucet and check for leaks, drips, or reduced pressure that could indicate a cracked pipe.

Drain and flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup. Check the anode rod for corrosion and replace if more than 50% depleted.

Test all GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. Press the test button, verify the outlet shuts off, then press reset.

Schedule your AC tune-up before the summer rush. Early scheduling means better availability and your system will be ready for the first hot day.

Clean the dryer vent from the dryer to the exterior vent cap. Lint buildup is the number one cause of dryer fires in the United States.

Inspect all exposed plumbing in basements, crawlspaces, and utility rooms for signs of leaks, corrosion, or mineral deposits.

Check the sewer cleanout cap to make sure it is properly seated and accessible. Clear any debris or vegetation growing around it.

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries even if they seem fine, as spring is the recommended time for annual replacement.

Inspect your electrical panel for any signs of corrosion, rust, overheating, or burned marks on breakers or wiring.

Check all landscape lighting for winter damage. Replace burned-out bulbs, repair damaged fixtures, and verify timer settings.

Inspect your sump pump battery backup system. Test the battery by unplugging the main pump and verifying the backup activates properly.

Turn on your outdoor irrigation system slowly. Walk the entire system checking for broken heads, cracked lines, and proper coverage patterns.

Change AC filters monthly during heavy use. A dirty filter makes your system work harder, costs more to run, and can lead to breakdowns.

Check your irrigation system regularly for leaks, broken heads, and proper coverage. Adjust watering schedules based on rainfall.

Inspect all outdoor outlets and verify GFCI protection is working. Summer storms and moisture can compromise outdoor electrical safety.

Test your standby generator monthly. Run it for at least 30 minutes, check oil level and condition, and verify automatic transfer switch operation.

Check your home water pressure using a gauge at an outdoor spigot. Normal pressure is 40 to 60 PSI. High pressure wastes water and damages fixtures.

Inspect pool equipment electrical connections if applicable. Look for corrosion, loose wires, and ensure proper bonding and grounding.

Verify ceiling fans are set to run counter-clockwise for summer mode. This pushes cool air downward and helps reduce AC costs.

Monitor your energy usage for unusual spikes. A sudden increase could indicate an HVAC problem, water leak, or electrical issue.

Flush your water heater again to remove mineral buildup that accumulated during summer when usage patterns change.

Schedule your furnace inspection and tune-up. Have a technician check the heat exchanger, burners, ignition system, and safety controls.

Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Shut off the interior valve supplying outdoor faucets and open the outdoor faucet to drain.

Clean gutters after the majority of leaves have fallen. This is the most critical gutter cleaning of the year for preventing ice dams.

Test your heating system before cold weather arrives. Run the furnace for at least one full cycle and check for unusual smells, sounds, or performance issues.

Check weather stripping and insulation around any pipes that pass through exterior walls. Seal gaps with expanding foam or caulk.

Schedule a chimney inspection if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Creosote buildup is a leading cause of house fires.

Test all carbon monoxide detectors with extra attention. Heating season is the highest risk period for CO poisoning.

Check your generator fuel supply. For natural gas units, verify the supply line. For propane, check the tank level. Run a full load test.

Winterize outdoor electrical fixtures. Cover unused outlets, check outdoor GFCI breakers, and secure any temporary outdoor lighting.

Insulate exposed pipes in your garage, crawlspace, and attic. Use foam pipe sleeves or heat tape for pipes most vulnerable to freezing.

Check for drafts around electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls. Install foam gaskets behind the cover plates to reduce air infiltration.

Prevent frozen pipes during extreme cold: let faucets drip on the coldest nights, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls, and never let your thermostat go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check your heating system monthly. Replace filters, listen for unusual sounds, and verify that all rooms are heating evenly.

Test your backup power source monthly. Whether you have a generator or battery backup system, regular testing ensures it will work when you need it.

Inspect insulation around all water pipes, especially those in unheated areas. Add insulation where you notice condensation or frost.

Monitor your water bill for unexplained increases. A hidden leak from a cracked pipe could be wasting hundreds of gallons per month.

Check for ice dams forming on your roof. Ice dams can force water under shingles and damage electrical wiring near the roofline.

Keep an emergency plumbing kit readily accessible: main shutoff wrench, bucket, flashlight, plumber tape, and old towels.

Know the exact locations of your main water shutoff valve, gas shutoff valve, and electrical panel. Ensure all household members know these too.

Keep snow and ice away from your furnace exhaust and intake pipes. Blocked vents can cause dangerous CO buildup or furnace shutdown.

Check sump pump operation regularly during winter. Ground saturation from snow melt can overwhelm pumps that are not working properly.