Home Maintenance Tips

SPRING

Outside:

• Clear leaves and other debris from around outside air conditioner. Remove cover if used.
• Clear debris out of window wells, storm drains, gutters, and downspouts.
• Inspect gutters for signs of sagging or damage. Fix as necessary. Check down-spout extenders to make sure they're firmly attached.
• Trim back overhanging limbs on trees. Trim back shrubs if overgrown around house.
• Check weather stripping on windows and doors for fit and condition. Repair as necessary.
• Seek and destroy early signs of bird and stinging insect nests in key spots -- eaves, ledges, etc.
• Repair any weather damage/holes/cracks on the following: roof, siding, trim, and windows.
• Turn on water to outdoor faucets. Turn on sprinkler system; check sprinkler heads & adjust timer for proper watering amounts.
• Clean and inspect all window and door screens. Make repairs/replacements as necessary.
• Have air conditioner checked and serviced if necessary.
• Check bricks or blocks for cracked mortar or loose joints.
• Check painted surfaces for paint failure, water damage, or mildew.
• Examine all trim for fit, damage, and condition.
• Check caulking where two different materials meet, where wood siding joins the foundation wall, at inside corners, and where the window and door trim meets the siding.

Inside:

• Test smoke alarms (at onset of daylight saving time). Replace weak batteries.
• Remove hair from drains in sinks, tubs, and showers.
• Test all ground-fault circuit interrupters, especially after electrical storms.

SUMMER

Outside:

• Check sludge and scum level in septic tank (if you have a septic system). Have system serviced if necessary.
• Have lateral sewer line inspected and cleared, or apply a root killer.

Inside:

• Test all ground-fault circuit interrupters, if you don't do it monthly (on outside circuits, too).
• Inspect all electrical cords for wear.
• Inspect washer hoses and dryer vent system (both indoors and out). Remove any dryer lint.
• Remove hair from drains in sinks, tubs, and showers. Use a drain cleaner approved for the materials in your plumbing system if necessary.
• Check pressure levels on fire extinguishers. Service if necessary.

FALL

Outside:

• Remove garden hoses from spouts. Drain and store for the winter. Wrap water spouts in insulation.
• Clear debris out of window wells, gutters, downspouts, and storm drains.
• Check weather stripping on windows and doors for fit and condition. Replace as necessary.
• Check windows, doors, and siding for holes and cracks. Caulk as necessary.
• Inspect all soffit vents and other venting systems to make sure they're clear of debris.
• Check bricks or blocks for cracked mortar or loose joints.
• Check painted surfaces for paint failure, water damage, or mildew.
• Examine all trim for fit, damage, and condition.
• Check caulking where two different materials meet, where wood siding joins the foundation wall, at inside corners, and where the window and door trim meets the siding.
• Check for broken or cracked glass and damaged screens or storm windows.
• Inspect and adjust sprinkler systems. Set your timer for the proper season to ensure proper watering amounts

Inside:

• Have furnace checked and serviced if necessary.
• Remove hair from drains in sinks, tubs, and showers. Use a drain cleaner approved for the materials in your plumbing system if necessary.
• Test all smoke alarms (when standard time resumes). Replace batteries as necessary.
• Test all ground-fault circuit interrupters, especially after electrical storms.

WINTER

Outside:

• Check roof for damage and/or icicles indicating potential ice dams.
• Inspect and adjust or lubricate your garage doors, rails and lock system. Consider changing your garage door opener code as a security precaution

Inside:

• Check basement for leaks and seepage during thaws.
• Remove hair from drains in sinks, tubs, and showers. Use a drain cleaner approved for the materials in your plumbing system if necessary.
• Test all ground-fault circuit interrupters, especially after electrical storms.
• If leaving the house for an extended period, avoid freezing pipes by opening the cabinet doors to allow heat to reach the pipes. Don't turn the heat completely off.
• Clean your faucet aerators and inspect your plumbing for leaks
• Clean and sharpen your garbage disposal by running a tray of ice cubes and depositing a cleaning (foaming) product agent into the disposal.
• Reverse your ceiling fans to help push the warm rising air back down. This will help you save money on your heating bills!