Owning a home comes with many responsibilities. One of the biggest is ensuring regular maintenance is performed to keep your house in good shape. Ignoring minor issues or putting off repairs can lead to much larger problems down the road. Here are some tips on how to stay on top of home maintenance.
Inspect and Repair the Exterior
The outside of your home takes a beating from the elements. Inspect the exterior at least twice a year and make repairs as needed.
- Paint: Look for cracked, chipped, or peeling paint and repaint as needed. Pay special attention to trim, which can rot if exposed to moisture.
- Windows: Clean windows regularly and re-caulk if the seal has broken. Replace any cracked glass.
- Doors: Lubricate hinges and tighten any loose hardware. Weatherstripping around doors should form a tight seal when closed. Replace if worn.
- Roof: Replace any missing or cracked shingles. Clean gutters and downspouts so water can flow away from the house.
- Siding: Check for damage or deterioration. Repair individual siding planks or panels as needed.
- Foundation: Look for cracks or signs of settling. Seal any cracks with caulk or epoxy sealant.
Check Plumbing Fixtures and Pipes
Plumbing issues like leaky pipes, clogged drains and toilet leaks can cause major headaches if left unresolved.
- Faucets and showerheads: Inspect for drips and replace worn washers, O-rings, cartridges, or valves. Consider replacing very old fixtures.
- Drains: Use a drain snake to clear clogs and prevent backed up sinks and tubs. Slow-running drains may need cleaning.
- Pipes: Inspect exposed pipes for drips or corrosion. Repair or replace as needed. If you have galvanized pipes, watch for low water pressure which can indicate buildup inside the pipes.
- Toilets: Replace worn flappers if the toilet runs constantly. Check the base for any leaks.
- Water heater: Drain sediment annually by attaching a hose to the drain valve. Replace anode rods as recommended.
Check for Leaks Around the House
Undetected water leaks can lead to mold, mildew, dry rot and even structural damage. Be vigilant in watching for leaks.
- Check under sinks for signs of water damage or leaks. Look at pipe connections for drips or corrosion.
- Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors for water stains. This may indicate an undetected leak in plumbing above or leaking roof.
- Check the basement or crawl space for signs of standing water or dampness. Look for cracks in foundation walls or floors.
- Inspect attics for dampness, condensation or wet insulation which can attract mold. Improve ventilation if needed.
- Check for spongy flooring around showers, tubs and toilets. Re-caulk joints if the seal is broken. Replace water damaged flooring.
- Watch for signs of leaking around windows and doors such as bubbling paint or rusting hardware. Re-caulk or replace weatherstripping.
Water leaks, if left unresolved, can lead to significant water damage requiring major repairs. Be vigilant and address any leaks promptly.
Deep Clean the Interior
A deep clean of the interior finishes will freshen things up and reveal any damage needing repair.
- Walls: Clean walls and touch up paint nicks or scratches. Repaint walls that are looking dingy or faded.
- Ceilings: Repair any cracks in ceiling plaster. Repaint popcorn or textured ceilings that are yellowed or stained.
- Trim: Fill nail holes, re-caulk joints, and touch up paint on baseboards, crown molding, chair rail and window trim.
- Doors: Clean doors, hardware, and door frames. Sand and repaint any that are nicked or scratched.
- Floors: Refinish hardwood floors if the finish is worn. Professionally clean carpeting every year or two.
- Appliances: Clean stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances. Replace worn parts like racks, burners or gaskets.
- Cabinets: Clean cabinets inside and out, including the hardware. Touch up worn finishes or re-stain.
Service the HVAC System
Heating and cooling systems require regular maintenance for energy efficiency and longevity.
- Filters: Change or clean air filters monthly. Clogged filters strain the HVAC system.
- Ducts: Clean supply and return ducts to improve air flow. Ensure ducts are securely connected. Insulate any uninsulated ductwork.
- Furnace: Have a technician service the furnace annually. They will check the heat exchanger, gas valve, blower motor and other components.
- AC unit: Clean the condenser coils and have a technician check refrigerant charge and system performance each spring.
- Thermostats: Replace old mercury thermostats with programmable digital models to improve temperature control.
Regularly maintaining your home’s major systems will save on energy costs and prevent expensive emergency repairs down the road. Be diligent about routine maintenance. Consider creating a home maintenance checklist to remind yourself of key tasks. Performing preventative maintenance is essential for every homeowner. It will extend the life of your house, prevent costly repairs, and keep your home looking its best.
You can find more home maintenance tips at Salt Lake City water damage. They offer water damage repair services in the Salt Lake City area.
