You likely already have a home care checklist. This includes, replace the furnace filter, shut off water spigots, clean the gutters, etc. Although this checklist is great, there are still many tasks that homeowners don’t realise or forget to do. These important home maintenance items may not be on your priority list. Neglecting them could cause big headaches, or worse, can cost you large amounts of money.
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Follow these steps to keep your house in order and pass any house inspection.
Stop flushing money down the toilet … and sink
A leaky faucet can be fixed easily. It’s usually as simple as replacing the rubber washer in the faucet handle. Turn off the water supply and remove the leaky handle. Replace the washer.
Leaking toilets can lead to a spike in your water bills. To determine if your toilet is leaky, put some food colouring into the tank. Then check the bowl after an hour to see if it has drained out. You should replace the tank’s flapper if water is leaking into the bowl. You will need to replace your toilet if water is leaking from the tank around the base.
Washer and dyer
The leading cause of water damage is usually faulty drain hoses and faulty washing machine supply. If you see signs of damage, leaking or rust around metal ends of lines, replace them straight away. Otherwise just replace them ever three years. Also remember to remove lint from your dryer’s lint trap after each use, to increase the life span of the heating element. If lint material is left inside, it presents a serious fire hazard. Remove fabric softener from the screen with warm water ever so often as to not clog it and leave dirt in the dryer.
Water heater
There are two main reasons your hot shower may become icy cold. This could be because your water heater is experiencing damage due to sediment in the water. If this is the case, drain the water from the heater and clean the interior at least once per year.
Turn off your heater’s water supply and power to drain it. You can also turn off the power if you have an electric heater. Connect a water hose at the bottom to drain the water from the tank. To ensure that no sediment remains in the tank’s bottom, open the drain valve of your water heater. Once you have removed all sediment, close the drain valve. After that, fill your tank with water.
Refrigerator
The refrigerator inside temperature is maintained by the seals around its doors. The seals around your refrigerator doors can fail and make your fridge less efficient. Close your refrigerator door using a piece of paper to test for leaks. If you are unable to remove the door from its closed position, then your seals work. The seals on your refrigerator door can be replaced at any home improvement centre.
Each year, remove the refrigerator from its wall and use a vacuum to clean the condenser coils. This will ensure your refrigerator’s efficiency and extend its life.
Plumbing
Clogged pipes or drains can lead to significant damage through rusting and leaks. Clogs are usually caused by hair or debris. They cause the clog and eventually leak.
Clogs in the kitchen are most caused by fats and oils. You can run hot water and dish washing liquid down the blocked drain to clear it. This will help to disperse the oil or fat and allow it to flow down the drain. Repeat this process until water runs freely down the drain.
Clogged drains can also be caused by hair and paper, mostly in the bathrooms. You can prevent this by placing a strainer over your bathroom drain. Also, be sure to remove all hair from the shower. This is the best way to stop hair from getting into your plumbing.
Windows
You should inspect your windows every summer and replace any damaged caulk. Use a sharp knife to remove any damaged, cracked, or dry caulk and replace it with a new bead. This will prevent drafts and help you keep your home cool and your energy bills low. You can reduce drafts by applying an insulating coating to your windows. This will also increase efficiency.
Air conditioner
Your air conditioners can build up dust, debris and clogs over time. This can make your air conditioner less efficient while still consuming the same amount electricity.
This can be avoided by inspecting the condensation line to check that water is flowing freely. To check for dust and debris, remove the main screen from the air conditioner. Make sure to wipe it clean with a dry cloth if there are any. This will keep your air conditioner clean and prevent it from accumulating dirt, causing ice on the filter, or using too much power to cool your home.
Roof
You should inspect your roof after any major storms or other natural disasters. To repair any damage, discoloration, or gravel-less roofing shingles, it may be possible to do so without having to replace the entire roof. You should inspect your roof to see if it needs to be repainted to stop any potential leaks.
Gutters
Gutters are the main drainage line between your foundation and the road. They collect water and debris from your roof, and redirect them away from the foundation. Lack of gutter maintenance is one of the leading causes of basement water accumulation.
A gutter cleaning once a year can help prevent foundation damage. Then, you can rinse the gutter with a garden hose. Gutter guards can be a great way to keep debris from the drain, but you will need to take it off manually again to clean your gutter.
Gutter system is often overlooked during home maintenance. It can be quite difficult to clean each year. Be ahead of the curve, and don’t let your property get neglected.
Staying on top of your home maintenance means that when building inspector from Perth comes to assess your home, there is no problems.
At BCI WA we are here to help you get your property up to scratch. Our job is to spot problems and recommend preventative steps so that they don’t happen again. Contact our team of Perth building inspectors now.
