Cold weather can create all sorts of issues on your property and in our sewer system. Follow these helpful tips to winterize your yard and home this season.

• Drain, remove, and store garden hoses. Close inside valves that connect the water supply to your outside hose spigot and fully drain that spigot.
• Clean out roof gutters. Remove leaves and other debris so that the gutters can drain properly when ice and snow melts.
• Rake up leaves. Fallen leaves can smother your lawn or wash into storm drains. Compost leaves at home or bring them to a Pittsburgh yard waste drop-off center.
• If you have a rain garden, add a layer of mulch and rake any leaves. If you have a rain barrel, drain and store it.
• Clean up completed home improvement projects. Dispose of extra paints, stains, automotive fluids, and old appliances properly. Unsure of what to do with hard-to-dispose-of items? Visit the DEP’s Recycling and Waste Reduction webpage.