Whether you are a first-time or experienced homeowner, there are some maintenance activities you should be able to tackle without calling a tradesperson. Here are our top ten doable household jobs.
Swap HVAC Filters
Replace central air filters every one to three months for peak operational efficiency. Clogged units can restrict airflow, lowering system capacity and performance, thereby increasing energy consumption and equipment wear. Staying current on changes keeps everything functioning properly.
Before installing the new filter, inspect old units first for cracks or tears, allowing debris bypass. Verify accurate size replacement or check system specifications as necessary. Standard fiberglass models filter sufficiently for most homeowners, although upgraded allergen/odor variants require more frequent replacement.
Flush AC Drain Lines
To guarantee proper functionality, central air conditioning systems require occasional maintenance, like flushing the condensation drainage line.
If your home has central air conditioning installed, you may have noticed a drain line dripping water near the outside AC unit. This pipe channels water away from the evaporator coil to prevent pooling internally, which can promote mold growth in the ductwork.
Pour an eco-friendly foaming cleaner down this line annually before cooling season starts, letting it soak for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing clean. Watch the outdoor outlet while pouring cleaners to check for obstructing debris requiring additional maintenance.
If you notice water pooling under or near indoor machinery, a clog may exist.
Locate and Label Home Water Shutoff
Finding the main water line shut off upon move-in allows quickly accessing it after leaks arise. This facilitates turning off all household water via a simple quarter-turn valve before extensive flooding damages the property. Labeling the unit also enables easy identification later when urgently needed.
Check shutoff functionality yearly by closing it completely and then briefly running water at the lowest-level sink, listening for flow cessation. This verifies proper working order and clears stale piping contents if long-term shut-down becomes necessary.
Stop Running Toilet Flow
A toilet constantly cycling, even when untouched, likely suffers from flapper valve failure or chain disconnections allowing constant water flow. The flapper valve is the hinged mechanism allowing water to flow from the tank into the bowl. Meanwhile, poor flush performance typically results from mineral deposits or deteriorating seals around the water inlet assembly. Mineral deposits refer to calcium and other hard water accumulation in fixtures.
DIY repairs using inexpensive tank components rectify most toilet troubles without fully shutting off home water feeds.
For bowls slow to fill, deeper drain clogs may exist, requiring temporary removal for manual snaking. Conveniently, hardware stores stock common toilet parts for easy upgrades.
Unclog Drains Without Hazardous Chemicals
When you attempt homemade drain unclogging, first remove strainers, then vigorously plunge while sealing overflows completely to optimize suction. Pour baking soda and vinegar, and wait 10+ minutes before rinsing the bubbling mixture down. Manually snake truly stuck sludge for the best results. Contact plumbers regarding extensive backups not resolving with simple home treatments.
Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Correct detector installation provides early warning against home fires and odorless carbon monoxide gas leaks.
Carefully follow all local building codes and manufacturer specifications regarding placement and mounting height. Do not overlook any level. Interconnected systems allow whole-home coverage via simultaneous sounding when threats arise.
Replace batteries annually when chirping signals low power or proactively every ten years as sensor accuracy declines. Test monthly to catch any malfunctions. Consult specialists about adding sprinklers or advanced systems if more complex monitoring becomes advisable.
Reinforce Walls for Heavy Items
Choosing suitable wall fasteners prevents artwork or storage detachments from causing property/bodily damage. For lightweight art on drywall, basic hooks work if anchored firmly into studs. Heavier objects instead require toggles or hollow wall anchors offering sturdy independent reinforcement.
Concrete requires pre-drilled holes for secure sleeve anchors, accommodating robust loads like floating shelves without failure. Analyze interior framing and select hardware for the load. Closely follow manufacturer specifications for installations, preventing household items from dangerously loosening.
Patch Small Drywall Holes
When you need to repair drywall holes up to six inches wide, use simple DIY techniques for seamless fixes. First, carefully inspect openings, cutting back loose gypsum edges evenly. Measure replacement patches slightly larger for ample mud adhesion. Seal patches securely, allowing thorough compound drying between applications before sanding smooth and painting.
Lacking drywall experience for sizable voids needing wall stud access, call professionals equipped with specialized tools for durable repairs properly supported to endure without sagging when fused. They readily blend sections with surrounding surfaces for an invisible flawlessness, protecting structural integrity.
Clear Rain Gutters
Clogged gutters overflow during rainstorms, diverting water toward foundations rather than safely away through downspouts as intended. Maintaining optimal drainage improves flow control, protecting siding and rooflines.
Inspect the roof rain runoff drainage system twice yearly. Remove leaves or debris from gutters while checking for leaks, rust, or loose areas needing repair. Flush paths clear, then carefully vacuum any lingering particles from below-grade drains. Refasten end caps tightly. Professionals can further optimize slope angles and realign components if heavy rainfall persists.
Schedule Seasonal Lawn Mower Tune-Ups
With routine use over the active grass-cutting seasons, lawnmower motors accumulate deposits while filters capture debris, affecting peak functionality. Performing seasonal tune-ups maintains engines so they start easily each year.
Routinely maintain mowers by fully draining old gas/oil mixtures before adding fresh fluids compatible with the engine. Replace clearly corroded spark plugs, properly adjusting gaps on new ones. Thoroughly clean or replace air filters unable to freely pass air when tapped. Have blades professionally sharpened more than once per year, depending on property demands, for optimal results. Consult owner’s manuals for model-specific tune-up tips.
So, Is Proactive Home Maintenance Worthwhile for Homeowners?
Absolutely, consistently completing preventative home maintenance earns substantial returns via extended equipment life span and avoids emergency repair headaches when systems eventually decline.
Consider tackling beginner repairs personally after thorough research. This allows safely gaining confidence in evaluating more complex trades work if hiring specialists for intensive electrical/plumbing projects requiring certified credentials. Either way, dedicating annual time and funds toward preserving home system integrity offers major perks enabling residence enjoyment.
FAQs About Home Maintenance
What problems arise from postponing home maintenance?
Delaying preventative repairs often forces urgent fixes later when problems escalate unexpectedly. It also can cause secondary damage spreading while unattended defects worsen over time. Resale values decrease without updated materials.
How much effort should homeowners reasonably invest in maintenance?
Expect to devote at least a couple of hours per quarter to simple tasks like smoke detector tests, gutter cleaning, or AC filter swaps. Home warranty providers recommend budgeting 1% to 2% of total property value annually for critical system upkeep, factoring age/size. Create checklists, if helpful, to track gradual task completion.
Which jobs should always use contractors?
Avoid trying unsafe work involving electrical, gas lines, or load-bearing builds sans proper training. While many maintenance items allow DIY potential through research, selectively using professional experts for intensive jobs involving complexity or physical exertion beyond reasonable capability makes sense for safety.
