Home maintenance checklist before winter in Lebanon

The first heavy rain of the season is when most leaks, blocked drains and electrical faults show up — and when every technician is suddenly busy. A check in autumn avoids most of it.

Roof and drains

• Clear leaves and dirt from roof drains, gutters and balcony drains.
• Look for cracks in the roof insulation and around water tanks and solar heater bases.
• Check old damp marks on ceilings: if they grew since last year, have them looked at before the rain.

Water

• Clean the water tank and check its cover closes properly.
• Check exposed pipes on the roof; old ones crack in the cold.
• Have the water heater checked, especially if it takes longer to heat or makes noise.

Power

• Test the UPS or inverter batteries: if they last much less than before, they may need replacing.
• If you have solar panels, clean them and check the connections after the dusty months.
• Check outdoor sockets and cables for damage before they get wet.

Heating and air

• Service the AC before switching it to heating: clean filters, check the outdoor unit.
• Check gas heaters, hoses and connections, and keep rooms ventilated.
• Have chimneys and wood stoves cleaned before the first fire.

Booking these jobs in October or November is usually easier than in the middle of the first storm.