Fall Preparation for Tenants

1. Turn off sprinklers and drain system.  Generally speaking there is a valve (Stop & Waste) buried 4 to 6 feet down in the front yard, in line with the water main coming in from the street.  The key to operate this valve is also 4 to 6 feet long with a U shaped tip to fit over the rectangular nib. One quarter turn clockwise turns the system off.  You may also have a valve inside the house, also in line with the water main.  It will be in the basement.  Failure to turn off the water main will result in expensive repairs to the sprinkler system in the spring.  Call Landlord if you need help.
2. Remove all garden hoses from exterior hose bibs (faucets sticking out of the house).  Failure to do this will result in a water line freeze that can crack the hose bib inside the house with flooding resulting when the weather warms
3. Change furnace filters.  The ideal schedule is monthly.  The minimum standard is spring and fall.  This feels like unnessary maintenance on a rental home.  However, the clean filters assist in reducing allergies and reduces the possibility of a heating system failure during the cold months.  The system repairs can be costly and the cold house an uncomfortable inconvenience.  Please change filters.
4. Set traps or bait for mice and rats.  The live everywhere on the planet in fields and gardens.  When the weather turns cold they will try to move indoors looking for food.
5. Fertilize grass.  Nursuries, Costco and Home Depot all stock fertilizers made specially for fall.  The benefits include green grass all winter without mowing, and strong turf with fewer weeds in the spring.  This will result in lower water bills for the summer.
6. Cover Swamp coolers, turn off water line and drain the water reservoir.  Additionally unplug the pump (located inside the unit).  I will be available  this coming Saturday to put covers on and winterize the unit.  I prefer you to be present to do this however I must have access to the covers which are generally stored at the property.  Please leave them accessible and  let me know if you prefer to handle this on your own.  The water line is located inside (usually in the furnace room tied into a water line)  It is a copper or plastic line one quarter of an inch in diameter with a pin valve.  Turn counter clock wise until it stops.  Please call or email if you have questions regarding this. Since doing this involves getting on the roof.  Please allow me to do it for you if you cannot or prefer not to take the risk of climbing on the roof.