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26 Routine Home Maintenance Jobs Everyone Should Do ... But Most Everyone Forgets to Do by www.SixWise.com You've heard of spring
cleaning? Well, fall is an ideal time to conduct the important
home maintenance tasks you've been meaning to do all year.
Just as your car requires regular oil changes and tune-ups
to run its best, your home needs a few tweaks and replacements
to keep it up to par. But, unlike your car, which you likely
take to a mechanic, you can perform most of these top home
maintenance jobs yourself.
You should test your fire alarms
and carbon monoxide detectors, clean them and change
the batteries regularly.
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Taking these simple measures now could payoff big time in
the future by helping you to avoid costly problems and protect
one of your biggest investments: your home.
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Check the grout around all tiled wet areas, including
your shower, tub and kitchen sink, and add caulk to the
joints if you notice any areas of separation (or if it
hasn't been done in awhile).
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Have your heating system inspected by a professional
before the heating season begins (in the spring, you can
do this with your air conditioner).
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Check your dryer vent exhaust system for blockage and
to ensure the connection. Remove any lint buildup from
the vents.
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Check the hoses of your washing machine for cracks and
leaks.
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Check and replace the batteries in your carbon
monoxide detectors and fire alarms. Test and clean
the detectors as well.
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Remove hoses from outside spigots prior to cold weather
to prevent freezing.
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Insulate all exterior wall water pipes (in kitchen,
bathroom, laundry room, shower, etc.) to avoid frozen
pipes bursting this winter (one of the top causes of home
flooding and serious damage to valued belongings).
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Replace your furnace filter (and air conditioner filter).
This should be done monthly.
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Check your drain traps for blockage, and clean them
by removing any excess debris. (Do this twice a year.)
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Test your GFI receptacles / breakers to make sure they're
working properly.
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If you have a coil-back refrigerator, pull it away from
the wall and vacuum the condenser coils to remove dust.
(Do this twice a year if you have pets.)
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Drain and refill your hot water heater (yearly). Remove
any sediment from the bottom of the tank.
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If you have a sump pump, make sure it's operating correctly.
Clean the sump basket with a bleach solution to disinfect
it.
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Check the filter on your range hood and clean it as
needed.
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If you have a whirlpool tub, clean the system out by
running a solution of dishwasher soap and bleach through
it.
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Make sure the pressure relief valve on your water heater
is working.
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Turn on the pilot light in your gas furnace.
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Make sure all of your exterior doors shut tightly. Replace
the door's weather-stripping if necessary.
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Check your chimney for debris, such as birds' nests.
Clean the ashes out of your fireplace.
Before cold weather arrives, remove your hoses from
their outside spigots or they could freeze, causing
damage.
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Change the washers in any leaky faucets.
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Clean your gutters and drain pipes to ensure they're
not blocked by debris. Make sure they drain away from
the house. Also remove any limbs or bunched up leaves
from your roof as they could create a dam, causing water
or ice to back up into your roof shingles. This could
result in a flooded ceiling and water damage come winter
or spring.
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Check the seals on your refrigerator door. If they're
airtight, you won't be able to easily remove a dollar
bill that you've closed the door on. If the seals are
not airtight, you may need to adjust the latch or replace
them.
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Clean your dehumidifier.
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Take down screens from windows and put up storm windows.
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Check your home for drafts from doors or windows. Seal
any drafty spots.
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Check the siding or paint on the outside of your home
for cracks or holes. If necessary, replace the caulk.
Recommended Reading
Which
Home Renovations are Your Best Investments?
The
6 Most Dangerous Home-Based Causes of Disease and Illness
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