House Maintenance Checklist

Although house maintenance can be quite boring, it’s a must. Remember that the beautiful home you purchased was probably the biggest investment that you’ve ever made, so you should always do whatever it takes to keep it in perfect shape. In order to keep yourself safe from any potential hazards and avoid repairing expenses, there are some things that you should check regularly. Here are the most common things you should include in your house maintenance checklist.

Gutters

Gutters are used to control the flow of rainwater and protect your roof from leakages. In order to prevent any damages to your roof, sidings and foundation, consider cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. Also, be sure to check if any damages occurred. If you’re not sure that you can approach this problem on your own, you can always contact a specialized company.

HVAC Filters

Although experts suggest that these filters should be changed once a month, it is not always necessary to do it so often. If you properly utilize your HVAC system, consider changing the filters once in two or three months. This mainly applies to families that don't have any struggles with allergies and don’t have any pets. However, at the peak periods of the year, you should consider at least inspecting these filters once a month.

Kitchen Sink Disposal

Cleaning the sink disposal should be done once a month. There are various ways of doing this, but the best way to go with is using vinegar ice cubes. Place some vinegar in the ice tray and let it freeze. Afterwards, run the ice cubes through the disposal. Not only will this keep it clean, but it will sharpen the blades as well.

Fire Extinguishers

Checking your fire extinguisher won’t take up a lot of your time, but it’s a must that you do it. You should place the extinguisher as so it can be easily accessed and look for any signs of wear or tear. Also, be sure to check if the gauge shows the adequate pressure.

Plumbing System

Pipes are one of the most common problems in many houses. In order to avoid excessive expenses, pipe issues should be attended right away. To properly maintain your pipes and notice potential damages on time, you should check them every now and then. Be sure to start with sinks and check if there are any leaks below it. If you notice water stains on your walls or the ceiling, this may be an indicator of a broken pipe.

Older households usually suffer corrosive pipes. These cases require a professional assistance. When getting in contact with experts, be sure to contact reputable companies in this domain. For instance, if you're living in St Louis, Nu Flow St Louis is a company that can provide you with quality service.

Basement

Most people use basements for storage. Unfortunately, when they decide to do this, they usually ignore what’s going on down there. In order to avoid any problems, you should clean your basement at least twice a year. While doing this, be sure to check if there's any mold. If you have windows in your basement, see if there are any cracks that could allow insects to enter your house.

Chimney

Even if you're not using the fireplace often, it should be regularly checked. Your chimney can carry dangerous gases from the fireplace and woodstove, so it is highly suggested to clean it from time to time. Keep in mind that your chimney can seriously damage your respiratory system.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Alarms

According to the National Fire Protection Association, half of home fire deaths were in homes without working smoke detectors. They suggest that the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms should be changed once a year.