You Cannot Forget about these Regular Home Maintenance Tasks
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Sure, we all expect our homes to run without issue. But unless you can afford to have regular professionals servicing your house for these regular maintenance tasks, chances are you’ll need to tackle them yourself.
Much like your vehicle, a home needs to be serviced regularly to make sure it is performing at an optimal level. No one wants to waste electricity or energy they are paying for. In that case, you might as well open the window and toss out some cash.
Key Takeaways
- Regular home maintenance tasks are essential to ensure your home runs efficiently and to avoid wasting money.
- Monthly checks should include fire extinguishers, sink stoppers, and garbage disposal maintenance.
- Seasonal tasks like inspecting roofs and gutters should occur every spring and fall for optimal performance.
- Annual maintenance involves having professionals check septic tanks, drains, and HVAC systems to prevent costly repairs.
- Using the HUD checklist can help homeowners stay organized and ensure they complete these essential tasks.
Table of Contents
Summary
The article emphasizes the importance of regular home maintenance to ensure a healthy living environment. Additionally, it highlights key areas that homeowners should focus on. These are: septic tank inspections and annual pumping to prevent backups; professional cleanouts of the main drain, especially when mature trees are present. Routine maintenance of water heaters, which includes draining sediment and testing safety valves. Finally, the article also recommends HVAC system tune-ups to enhance efficiency.
Additionally, it references the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) checklist for healthy home maintenance, which outlines various tasks that should be performed regularly throughout the year to maintain occupant health. The overall message is to prioritize these maintenance tasks. In doing so, you safeguard both the home and the health of its occupants.
Keep Your Home Healthy with HUD Tips
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)has also published a checklist for regular home maintenance. This checklist was developed by the Healthy Homes Training Center and Network as a tool for healthy home maintenance.
A healthy home is one that is constructed, maintained, and rehabilitated in a manner that is conducive to good occupant health.
See Also: Stop Wasting Money. Improve Your Sustainability at Home
As stated in the HUD healthy housing checklist, a home must maintain regular cleaning and checks. This ensures proper performance throughout the seasonal swing of things. Some tasks can be completed annually. However, others should be approached on a more routine basis.
We found a pretty descent list provided by JoAnne Liebeler on regular home maintenance.
Each Month
• Fire Extinguisher: Check that it’s fully charged; recharge or replace if needed.
• Sink/Tub Stoppers and Drain Holes: Clean out debris.
• Garbage Disposal: Flush with hot water and baking soda.
• Water Softener: Check water softener salt drum and replenish salt if necessary.
• Forced-Air Heating System: Change filters once a month if user’s manual recommends fiberglass filters.
Every 2 Months
• Wall Furnace: Clean grills.
• Range Hood: Clean grease filter.
Every 3 Months
• Faucet: Clean aerator.
• Tub Drain Assembly: Clean out debris; inspect rubber seal and replace if needed.
• Floor and Outdoor Drain Grates: Clean out debris.
Every 6 Months
• Smoke Detector: Test batteries and replace if needed.
• Toilet: Check for leaks and water run-on.
• Interior Caulking: Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; replace any if it is deteriorating.
• Forced-Air Heating System: Change semi-annually if user’s manual recommends high efficiency pleated or HEPA-style filters.
• Garbage Disposal: Tighten drain connections and fasteners.
• Clothes Washer: Clean water inlet filters; check hoses and replace them if they are leaking.
• Clothes Dryer: Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.
• Wiring: Check for frayed cords and wires; repair or replace them as needed.
• Range Hood: Wash fan blades and housing.
Every Spring
• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Clean them out or install no-clean version. Inspect and repair weak areas; check for proper drainage and make repairs if needed.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed.
• Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Windowsills, Doorsills, Thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if needed.
• Window and Door Screens: Clean screening and repair or replace if needed. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if needed. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Also, tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
Every Fall
• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Clean out. Inspect and repair weak points; check for proper slope.
• Chimney or Stovepipe: Clean flue (more frequently if needed); repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling mortar.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed.
• Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Storm Windows and Doors: Replace any cracked or broken glass. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if needed. Replace damaged hardware. In addition, tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
• Window and Door Weather Stripping: Inspect and repair or replace if it is deteriorating or if it does not seal.
• Thermostat: Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts; check accuracy and replace thermostat if it is not functioning properly.
• Outdoor Faucets: If you live in an area with freezing winters, shut off valves to outdoor faucets. Open spigots and drain, store hoses.
Annually
• Septic Tank: Have a professional check the tank (watch for backup throughout the year). In many areas, it is recommended that the tank be pumped every year.
• Main Cleanout Drain: Have a “rooter” professional clean out the main line, particularly if there are mature trees in your yard whose roots could have cracked the pipe in their search for moisture.
• Water Heater: Drain water until it is clear of sediment; test temperature pressure relief valve; clean burner and ports (gas heater).
• HVAC System: Have a professional tune up your heat/air conditioning system.
Q&A – Regular Home Maintenance Tasks
It is recommended that a septic tank be professionally checked and pumped every year. This will avoid backups and ensure proper functionality throughout the year.
A professional should clean out the main cleanout drain to prevent clogs, especially if there are mature trees nearby. Their roots can crack pipes in search of moisture, leading to potential issues.
Maintenance on a water heater includes draining the tank until the water is clear of sediment, testing the temperature pressure relief valve, and cleaning the burner and ports in the case of a gas heater.
To ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently, it’s recommended to have a professional perform a tune-up on both the heating and air conditioning systems at least once a year.
Signs that a septic tank may need immediate attention include slow drains, sewage backups, and unpleasant odors around the area of the tank or drain field, which warrant a professional inspection.
Neil has over 20 years’ experience on a range of large (15,000 sf) and small (500 sf) residential, non-profit, and commercial projects with a small business focus. He has two kids with his wife, Victoria, and loves family time camping, hiking, and traveling. While he grew up in New England, Neil is a diehard Buffalo Bills fan!
