| Your home is a big investment...probably one | | | | pooling water. Water heaters should ideally |
| of the biggest investments you'll ever make | | | | be periodically drained to remove any |
| so properly maintaining your investment is | | | | sediment. In areas with hard water, you |
| vital to keeping up it's value. But homes are | | | | should drain every 3 months. |
| much more than an investment...they are where | | | | |
| we take shelter and spend much of our time in | | | | Vent exhaust ducts for the clothes dryer and |
| and are our living environment and to a | | | | cooktop to the outside and keep the drip pans |
| degree determine much of our quality of life. | | | | from your air conditioner clean and the drain |
| | | | lines unobstructed and flowing properly. In |
| The health of a home is a lot like our own | | | | the kitchen you should clean the dust from |
| personal health. If it is regularly checked | | | | refrigerator condenser located at the rear of |
| and maintained, the chances of problems | | | | unit. |
| arising are less. With proper home | | | | |
| improvement & maintenance, if and when | | | | Keep indoor moisture low (ideally between |
| problems do occur, there is less chance that | | | | 30-50% relative humidity). Consider |
| they will blossom into major problems. | | | | purchasing an inexpensive humidity meter, |
| | | | available at local hardware stores. |
| So here are some of the things that should be | | | | Periodically inspect your foundation walls |
| checked periodically | | | | and floors for cracks that might allow water |
| | | | seepage, especially if you live in an older |
| Water leakage: | | | | home or an area with poor soil drainage. If |
| | | | you have a basement or crawl space prone to |
| Water leaks are really serious trouble and | | | | leaks or flooding you might want to keep a |
| should be remedied immediately before they | | | | sump pump handy. |
| become major issues and cause some serious | | | | |
| damage. Water leaks can not only lead to | | | | You should also inspect your roof and roof |
| toxic and costly mold issues but can also | | | | flashing periodically for missing, worn or |
| damage walls and sub flooring and other items | | | | broken shingles and any flashing that may |
| in your home. | | | | have separated from adjacent surfaces |
| | | | allowing water leakage. A licensed roofer can |
| Water leaks can be caused by prolonged rain, | | | | inspect these areas and make necessary |
| heavy snowfall, old water hoses from | | | | repairs. You should also inspect your gutters |
| appliances such as washing machines, | | | | and downspouts and remove any debris to |
| dishwashers, icemakers, air conditioners and | | | | assure unobstructed water flow away from the |
| garbage disposals. | | | | foundation. |
| | | | |
| Water leaks can also be caused by frozen or | | | | Additional Items: |
| corroded pipes, clogged drains, damaged and | | | | |
| cracked seals from extreme heat or cold, | | | | Some exterior items that should be on your |
| heavy usage and a multitude of other reasons | | | | home improvement & maintenance checklist are |
| as well. | | | | the veneering and siding. With brick, watch |
| | | | for deteriorating bricks or masonry. For |
| Some of the items to check for leaks are | | | | siding, watch for warping or rot. Check |
| obviously the areas most prone to leaks from | | | | caulking around doors and windows, glazing |
| heavy use such as the caulking and grout in | | | | around window panes. Make sure your cooling |
| the bathrooms around the toilets, tub and | | | | and heating unit is free from obstructing |
| shower area, under sinks in the bathroom and | | | | debris. On the heater change the filter and |
| in the kitchen. Any water damage marks on | | | | check the coils for any buildup. |
| ceilings or walls will obviously indicate a | | | | |
| water leak from somewhere and should | | | | You should also get periodic termite |
| immediately be checked out and repaired. | | | | inspection done. Check for any evidence of |
| | | | termites or wood eating insects. Watch for |
| Inspect your plumbing water lines and waste | | | | accumulation of tree limbs, branches, debris |
| lines for leaks, damage or corrosion. If you | | | | that can attract wood eating insects. And if |
| notice problems, hire a licensed plumber for | | | | you have a wood burning fireplace never store |
| further inspection and repairs. You should | | | | wood in or near the home as the wood often |
| also check around your water heater for any | | | | contains termites. |