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 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.
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.
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.
Find a
Maintenance Professional |