As a homeowner, you probably already realized how important it is to prioritize your home maintenance and not shrink from household chores. Yes, they can frequently be time-consuming and tedious, but sticking to them holds your house together and keeps it in good condition all year round.
You also most likely already have a home maintenance checklist that includes tasks like cleaning the gutters, sealing cracks, and checking your HVAC filters regularly. While it is a good starting point, there are also other no less important jobs many homeowners usually overlook, resulting in costly repairs down the road.
In this article, we will share several vital home maintenance tasks you shouldn’t neglect, regardless of whether you want to live there for the years to come or you’re planning to sell your house fast for cash anytime soon. Apart from checking for high water pressure and cleaning refrigerator coils, these also include occasionally draining sediment from your water heater, lubricating garage door springs, and checking for mice nests.
Continue reading and find out more things you should pay attention to regarding home maintenance.
Table of Contents
Check for High Water Pressure
If you frequently notice your shower head or faucets leaking, there is a high chance your home has high water pressure. While this might not seem like a big deal at first, it can actually cause some severe damage to your plumbing system and appliances over time.
To check the water pressure in your home, all you need is a pressure gauge that you can easily purchase at any hardware store. Once you have it, simply attach it to an outdoor faucet and turn it on. The needle on the pressure gauge will show you the current water pressure in your home.
Ideally, it should be between 40 and 60 psi. If it’s higher than that, you will need to install a pressure-reducing valve to keep your plumbing system and appliances safe from damage.
Clean Refrigerator Coils
You might not know this, but your refrigerator has coils located either on the back or beneath it, and they need to be cleaned regularly. Why is this important, you ask? Well, over time, these coils get covered in dust which makes your fridge work less efficiently and use more energy.
Cleaning the coils is not a difficult task — all you need is a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. First, unplug your fridge, then locate the coils and vacuum them thoroughly. You should do this at least once a year or every six months if you have pets that shed a lot.
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Drain Sediment From Your Water Heater
If you want your water heater to function properly and have a long lifespan, you need to drain the sediment from it on a regular basis. Depending on the type of water in your area, you might need to do this as often as every three months or so.
The good news is that draining the sediment from your water heater is not a complicated task. First, shut off the cold water supply and the power to your water heater, and then attach a garden hose to the drain valve near the tank’s bottom. Next, open the valve and let the water drain into a bucket until it runs clear.
Once you’re done, close the valve, turn the cold water supply, and the power back on. It’s as simple as that!
Lubricate Garage Door Springs
If your garage door starts making creaking noises or is becoming difficult to open, there is a good chance the springs need to be lubricated. This is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself, but make sure you read the instruction manual first so that you know how to do it properly.
In most cases, all you need is WD-40 or a similar product. Simply spray it on the springs and moving parts of your garage door and then open and close the door a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
Do this at least once a year to prevent your garage door from becoming stuck or damaged.
Check for Mice Nests
Mice might seem like harmless creatures, but they can actually do a lot of damage to your home if they get inside. Not only will they nibble on your food and furniture, but they will also build nests out of anything they can find — paper, insulation, clothing, etc.
To prevent mice from getting into your home, make sure you seal any cracks or holes on the outside of your house. You should also check for mouse droppings in your basement, attic, and kitchen and set up mouse traps if you find any.
It’s also a good idea to have your home inspected for mice nests at least once a year by a professional pest control company.
Inspect Caulking and Weather-Stripping
If you want to keep your home energy-efficient and prevent drafts, you need to regularly inspect the caulking and weather-stripping around your doors and roof windows. Over time, these materials can become cracked or damaged, which will allow warm or cool air to escape from your home.
To check the caulking and weather-stripping, simply run your hand along the edges of your doors and roof windows. If you feel any gaps, simply remove the old caulking or weather-stripping and apply new material in its place.
This is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself, but make sure you use the right type of caulking or weather-stripping for the job.
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Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so it’s important to inspect it regularly for any damage. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or holes, and have them repaired as soon as possible.
You should also clean your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis to prevent clogs and water damage. And finally, if you have a chimney, make sure you have it inspected and cleaned at least once a year by a professional.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are several important home maintenance tasks you should never ignore if you want your home to remain in good condition for years to come. Yes, some of these tasks can be a little tedious, but it is far better than dealing with costly repairs and replacements down the road.
If you want to keep your house in good shape, try following these simple tips and hire a professional to do the job if necessary. Now, get back to work!
