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Spiff-ups for all seasons

To prevent budget-busting repairs, you've got to invest a little time. But how do you keep track? Just use our home maintenance checklist.

By Josh Garskof, Money Magazine contributing writer

1 of 16

Winter: Prep your pipe

If you don't, it'll ice up and burst. Remove your garden hose from the outdoor faucet before the first freeze.

Unless you have a frost-proof spigot (a worthwhile $25 to $50 upgrade), turn off the water supply at the shutoff valve inside the house and open the outdoor spigot to drain water from the line. Leave it this way until the spring thaw.

Frequency: Once a year.

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Last updated December 20 2007: 9:44 AM ET

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