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Every homeowner should have a basic understanding of what they need to do to take care of their house. You’re always going to need expert help from time to time, but knowing what to do in between service calls can save you a fortune. Check out these eight vital maintenance tips that every homeowner should know.
1. Cleaning Gutters
If you’re slacking on cleaning your gutters, it’s time to change your habits. Clogged gutters can lead to roof damage and even leaks, so make sure you’re cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. You can also install gutter guards if you want to reduce the buildup of leaves and debris in between cleanings.
2. Removing Clogs
Clogged drains are a huge hassle and a common problem, so it’s important to know how to deal with them as a homeowner. Instead of using Drano, try using an enzyme-based drain cleaner that won’t damage your pipes. You can also use a plunger to unclog drains, but it’s time to call a plumber if liquid drain cleaner and plunging don’t work.
3. Flushing Your Water Heater
Corrosion is the most common cause of water heater failure, and it can be prevented by flushing sediment out of your water heater regularly. Plumbers recommend flushing your water heater at least once a year, and it only takes a short while. It’s also important to have the sacrificial anode rod in your water heater checked occasionally.
4. HVAC Maintenance
If you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year round, you need to take care of your HVAC system. Seasonal maintenance is an important part of making sure your gas furnace and air conditioning work when you need them most, so call an HVAC technician for service in the spring and fall.
5. Lube Garage Door Springs
Garage door repairs are expensive, so make sure you don’t have to deal with them by lubing your garage door springs on a regular basis. Lubrication is essential to keeping your garage door operating smoothly and preventing major problems, so you should lubricate it every three months or so. You can find garage door lubricant at your local hardware store.
6. Roof Maintenance
Your home’s roof is what keeps you dry during the winter, so it’s important to take good care of it. Every once in a while, you should have a professional inspect your roof to see if there’s any damage. If there are missing shingles or structural problems with the roof, you should get those fixed right away to prevent leaks that can further damage your home.
7. Take Care of Trees
You might love the shade you get from the trees around your home, but keep an eye on them and have somebody trim them every once in a while. Trees with long branches that hang over your home can cause serious damage, plus they make it easier for critters to get to your roof. Hiring a tree trimmer is an essential part of home maintenance.
8. Wash Your House
The exterior of your house gets dirty over time, so wash it every once in a while to prevent the buildup of dirt. You can wash your house with a hose and nozzle attachment, but it’s best to buy a pressure washer that gives you a little more cleaning power. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to clean your home.
Owning a home is a lot of work, from managing all your monthly bills to keeping up with maintenance and repairs. If you’re a new homeowner or just want to brush up on your home maintenance knowledge, these tips are a great start.
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