Spring is here! That nice bright sun and warm fresh air are a welcome relief from the long, dark winter. Unfortunately, springs arrival means that your home is in need of a little spring cleaning.
Over time the value of your home appreciates, so you should treat it with as much care as possible. Homes change and move over the seasons. After the winter everything from the roof to your sump pump will need to be examined. Spring is the best time to give our home the “tune- up” it needs.
Here is a checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get those chores done quickly. Following these simple tips will get you outside and in that warm spring sunshine in no time.
- Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Take a peek at your home plumbing.
- Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely that the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced.
- Check any garden hoses for dry rot, replace if necessary.
- Anything dripping in your home is a bad sign. Check for leaking faucets or sweating pipes, clogged drains and faulty water drainage systems.
- Look at washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or dampness.
- Check under the kitchen sink for leaks, and make note of wetness around the dishwasher.
- Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they are functioning properly. Know the location of all valves and what equipment and water lines they serve. Teach all members of the household of their locations.
- Inspect the water heater.
- If you have a gas- fired water heater, make sure it is venting properly. Light a match next to the vent and wave it out (don’t blow it out). See if the smoke is pulled up into the vent. If it isn’t, have a professional inspect and repair it. Otherwise, carbon monoxide and other combustibles can build up in your home.
- Check around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. If your water heater is over five years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If evidence of a leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced.
From Home Inspection Professionals
This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 8:30 am under Plumbing Tips. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.