What’s your home maintenance list like? What tasks does it include? The usual tasks are checking the gutters, replacing the air filters, deep-clean the carpets, and weed out the garden, says finegardening.com. But these are not the only things you have to consider when trying to maintain a home. Many of the things that you forget or ignore are the things that drive up your monthly expenses. Or worse, they could be putting your lives and the lives of your family at risk.
Install a Water Pressure Valve Because High-water Pressure Can Wreck Pipes
Not all homes have pressure-reducing valves. This depends on where you live. Homes with high-water pressure source needs a pressure-reducing valve. Without it, the pressure from the water can wreck pipes and furniture. The average pressure should only be around 75 lbs. psi, but it can go up as high as 110 lbs. psi without a pressure-reducing valve. You can easily install a valve or gauge to determine when the water pressure is too much.
Keep the Garage Door Secure Because Burglars Can Get Through It
Burglars usually use either the backdoor or the garage door to get into the house. If you are not checking the locks in your garage door regularly, you are making it easy for criminals to get inside your house. Buy a garage replacement door if needed. You can do this on your own. Just watch a couple of YouTube videos, and you’ll have an idea how to remove the old door and replace it with the new one. If that is not your thing, then call a contractor or handyman. They know exactly what to do. You also may want to consider installing bolts and other locks to secure the garage door.
Check the Sump Pump Because It Can Cause Indoor Flooding
It’s easy to forget about the sump pump because it’s in the basement. You don’t usually see it. But if the sump pump does not work properly, it can cause flooding in the basement. Homes with basements usually have a sump pump because the water table is higher than the home’s foundation. The purpose of the sump pump is to make sure that the basement will not flood. Ensure the pump has a vertical float switch and check it a couple of times each year to see if it is working properly.
Clean Window Weep Holes Because Rainwater Can Get Inside
The weep holes found below the frames of sliding windows are for water drainage. Rainwater can sometimes collect at the window frame’s bottom channel. However, bugs and other debris can block the weep hole and cause rainwater to come inside the house. You might notice there are water streaks near the windowsill. The easiest solution is to unclog the weep hole. Check it regularly so you can remove the dirt and debris from it.
Clean Refrigerator Coils Because Your Repair and Electricity Bill Will Go Up
You don’t always remember the coils behind the refrigerator. They are usually at the bottom of the back of the fridge. They are copper-colored, so it’s easy to spot them. Coils are exposed to all kinds of elements-heat, dirt, dust, cobwebs, and many more. When this happens, the compressor works harder, shortening the lifespan of your refrigerator. Use a coil-cleaning brush and vacuum to keep that part clean. Repairing the coils is super expensive. Plus, if your refrigerator is having difficulty making the refrigerator cool, your electricity bill will also go up.
Inspect Your Sewage Pump
Similar to the presence of a high-pressure valve, not all homes have a sewage pump, which transfers sewage from one place to another. This is mostly found in rural areas where the water comes from a deep well and sewage water is released to a sewage tank. Homeowners who have a sewage system at home should have it inspected regularly. This will ensure that the tank is not full that the sewage is already backing up in the pipes and into your home when there is a sudden bad odor in the bathroom or kitchen sink, that might be because of sewage backing up.
Do these things not only because you want to maintain your home well but also because you want to make sure that you are not wasting money on repairs and replacements. When you take care of your house, you also care for your expenses. You ensure that you are not wasting money on things that could have otherwise been prevented. A simple inspection and monitoring here and there will keep your home safe, secure, and free of expensive repairs.
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