Preventative Home Maintenance

Car owners understand the necessity of having their vehicle maintained so it runs properly and lasts a long time. Like regularly changing the oil in your car, preventative maintenance to your house will  help the materials used to build it last longer and avoid extensive repair projects. And, just like properly maintaining your car is necessary for the safety of your passengers, taking care of your house can help keep your home safe and avoid injuries to your family and friends. The following is a check-list of preventative maintenance projects that are sometimes overlooked:

Well Water

• Take a water sample to a laboratory to test for purity.

Central Air Conditioner

• Clean or replace the air filter at least every two months.
• Prune any shrubbery that is restricting the circulation of air.

Attic, Basement and Garage

• Clean and discard paper and junk.
• Remove the grates from drain pipes in basement and garage floors and in the driveway, then scoop out muck and flush with garden hose.

Vents in Foundation, Soffits and Eaves

• Make sure screens are intact to keep out squirrels and other rodents, birds and insects.
• Carefully knock off wasp and bee nests from eaves.

Wood Decks

• Nail any raised boards and hammer in any popped nails.
• Refinish with stain or paint if raw wood is exposed.
• Look for signs of decay and termites in wood near or in contact with the earth.

Sewer Lines

• Inspect the grass above the sewer lines. If it is greener than adjacent grass, it may indicate a leak in the line.

Sump Pump

• Test the motor and pump by filling the sump with water. If the motor doesn’t start or the pump doesn’t pump, call a repairman.

Septic System

• Have it inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Scoop out leaves, seed pods and other debris.
• Flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose.
• Look for pools of water that reveal sags in the gutters.
• Straighten bent gutter hangers.

Driveway

• Patch holes and seal cracks.
• Resurface if the concrete is flaking from salt or chemical ice removers.

Fences

• Hammer in popped nails.
• Tighten loose posts.
• Paint or stain if raw wood is exposed.

Siding

• Look for blistered or peeling paint. Decide if it is time to paint your house.
• Check for popped nails and loose or cracked clapboards. Caulk when necessary.

Sliding Doors

• Clean the tracks.
• Check the locks and tighten the hardware.

Screens and Screen Doors

• Inspect, repair and clean the screens and screen doors. It may be necessary to paint them before re-installing

Fireplace

• Clean and empty the ash pit if the fireplace has one.
• Clean chimney.

Hot Water Heater

• Drain the sediment from the bottom of the tank.
• Consider having tank insulated to reduce heat loss.

Exhaust Fans

• Clean the blades.
• Oil the motor.

Ornamental Iron Railings

• Sandpaper rusted areas and treat with rust-inhibiting paint.

Electrical Circuit

• Identify the fuse or circuit breaker that controls each circuit; make a diagram and affix it near the box.

Power Lawn Mower

• Wash or replace the air filter.
• Fill the crankcase with new oil.
• Install a new cutting blade when necessary and sharpen the blade each month.

By staying on top of your home maintenance, you can add years to your home’s parts.  You’ll also enjoy your home more and save money on energy bills and home repairs.