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How to Clear Leaves From Window Well Drains Before Fall Storms

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Key Takeaways Remove leaves and loose debris from the window well before a storm, then uncover and inspect the drain opening. Use a small rake or shop vacuum for loose material, as Window Well Supply recommends for clearing window well debris. Do not assume every well drains the same way: identify whether yours has a visible drain, gravel, or another arrangement before probing or pouring water into it. If water is already entering the basement, or the drain appears blocked below the surface, stop routine cleaning and address the drainage problem safely. Table of Contents Why clear leaves from window well drains before a storm? What to gather before cleaning a window well How to clear leaves from a window well drain step by step How to tell whether the drain is actually clear What not to do when cleaning a window well How often should you inspect a window well in fall? What to do if water still collects after cleaning Advice for first-time homeowners and repeat maintainers C...
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How to Store a Lawn Mower for Winter: A Practical Checklist

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Key Takeaways Clean the mower, inspect it for wear, and store it dry and protected before winter. For a gas mower, follow the owner’s manual for fuel and oil; Alabama Cooperative Extension recommends fuel stabilizer when a mower will sit unused for more than 30 days. Remove batteries from cordless mowers and keep them indoors in a cool, dry place away from freezing temperatures and metal surfaces. Disconnect the spark plug before working on a gas mower, and keep the machine off damp floors during storage. Table of Contents How to store a lawn mower for winter: the basic sequence How should you prepare a gas lawn mower for winter? How do you store a battery-powered or electric mower? How do you clean and inspect a mower before storage? What should you do with the mower blade and moving parts? Where should you store a lawn mower during winter? Which winter-storage plan fits your situation? Common winter-storage mistakes to avoid Frequently Asked Questions Key points to remem...
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How to Winterize a Pressure Washer Before a Freeze

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Key Takeaways Winterize before freezing weather by clearing detergent and water from the pressure washer, hoses, spray gun, and attachments. Briggs & Stratton’s gas-engine procedure runs clean water through the system on low pressure for 2 minutes, then drains the accessories and pump. Use pump saver or antifreeze only when your model’s instructions call for it, and follow the product directions. Gas and electric models do not share every step: a recoil-handle procedure applies only to equipment with that feature. Table of Contents Why winterizing a pressure washer matters What to gather before you start How to winterize a pressure washer step by step Should you use antifreeze or pump saver? Gas vs. electric pressure washers: which steps change? How to store the washer after draining it Common winterizing mistakes and how to avoid them Frequently Asked Questions Quick winterizing checklist To winterize a pressure washer before freezing weather, flush out detergent, r...
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How to Keep Pipes from Freezing in an Unheated Garage

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Key Takeaways Protect garage pipes by sealing drafts first, then insulating the pipe and adding approved heat cable where exposure warrants it. Foam sleeves slow heat loss but do not create heat, so insulation alone may not protect a pipe through a prolonged freeze. If a garage utility sink will not be used, shut off its dedicated supply and drain the line where the plumbing setup allows. Use only heat tape or cable approved for the pipe material, follow its instructions, and never overlap it unless the manufacturer explicitly permits that. Table of Contents Why pipes freeze in an unheated garage How to keep pipes from freezing in an unheated garage When foam insulation is enough—and when it is not How to use heat tape or cable safely What to do with a garage utility sink or water heater Should you leave a faucet dripping? If a garage pipe freezes: safe first steps Advice for first-time and experienced homeowners Common mistakes to avoid Frequently Asked Questions Key poi...
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Dishwasher Standing Water After a Cycle: What to Check

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Key Takeaways A little clean water around the filter or sump can be normal; dirty water spread across the tub floor usually means drainage is failing. Check the filter, drain area, air gap, disposal connection, and drain hose before assuming the pump has failed. A humming pump with no water movement can point to a jam or motor problem, not proof that draining is working. Disconnect power before accessing internal parts, and avoid putting liquid drain cleaner in the dishwasher. Table of Contents How much water in a dishwasher is normal? Dishwasher standing water: start with these safe checks Clean the filter and inspect the sump Check the air gap, high loop, and garbage disposal Inspect the drain hose before blaming the pump What a humming or silent drain pump can tell you Common mistakes that can make the problem worse Which checks fit your situation? Frequently Asked Questions Quick recap Dishwasher standing water after a cycle can come from a clogged filter, a blocked...
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