Room with flood-cut drywall drying with air movers and a dehumidifier. Illustrative image of the process; it does not document a job done for this site.
Parker sits close to 6,000 feet on the plains southeast of Denver, which means bigger temperature swings than the city, wet spring snowstorms that melt quickly, and thunderstorms that can drop hail from late spring through summer. The calendar below lines up home maintenance with those patterns. Dates are approximate; adjust to the actual forecast each year.
The year at a glance
- January
- Check that the furnace filter is clean so the heat stays reliable during cold snaps. Look at plumbing in garages, over crawl spaces and along north-facing walls after the coldest nights.
- February
- Test water alarms and replace their batteries. Find and test the main water shutoff so it moves freely before you ever need it in a hurry.
- March
- Wet spring storms often start now. Pour water into the sump pit to make sure the pump starts, and clear snow away from the discharge outlet.
- April
- Clean window wells of leaves and debris. Extend downspouts away from the foundation. Watch basement walls after the first heavy melt.
- May
- Irrigation startup. Open the basement irrigation valve slowly and check the line where it leaves the house. Have the backflow preventer inspected if your water provider asks for it.
- June
- Hail season is underway. Know where your roof's vulnerable spots are, such as skylights and plastic vents, and photograph the roof in good condition for later comparison.
- July
- After big storms, check the attic with a flashlight if you can do so safely, and look at top-floor ceilings for new stains.
- August
- Drain a few gallons from the water heater to clear sediment, if the manufacturer recommends it. Check under sinks and behind the washer.
- September
- Clean gutters before leaves fall in earnest, and check that the sump discharge and downspouts are still connected and clear.
- October
- Schedule irrigation blowout before the first hard freeze. Close the inside irrigation valve and open its drain. Disconnect hoses.
- November
- Insulate exposed pipes in the garage and any exterior wall cabinets. Make a plan for heat and check-ins if you'll travel over the holidays.
- December
- On sub-zero nights, open sink cabinets on outside walls. Before a trip, close the main water valve and leave the heat on.
Once a year, any season
- Replace rubber washer hoses with braided stainless ones if you haven't already.
- Check the refrigerator ice maker line for kinks and drips.
- Re-caulk tubs and showers where caulk has cracked or pulled away.
- Look at the water heater's age on its data plate and plan replacement before it fails.
- Review your homeowners policy for water backup coverage and deductibles.
General information for Parker, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.