Keep Your Home Safe and Avoid Costly Repairs
Regular home maintenance is essential to prevent small issues from becoming major problems. Here are some simple tips to help you keep your home safe and potentially avoid expensive repairs:
- Inspect Steps and Walkways: Ensure that steps and walkways are in good condition, and that handrails are sturdy and securely fastened.
- Proper Lighting: Ensure doorways, steps, porches, and walkways are well-lit.
- Clear Paths: Keep stairs, hallways, and exit paths clear. Make sure doors and windows open easily.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Check that windows and doors are secure and do not leak air or water. Use silicone caulk for repairs.
- Stove Safety: Keep the area above the stove free from flammable and combustible items.
- Roof Inspection: Regularly inspect your roof. If you notice damage, have a licensed professional make necessary repairs.
- Maintain Gutters: Keep gutters clear of debris to ensure proper drainage.
- Clear Roof Debris: Remove dead leaves, tree branches, and other vegetation from your roof.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim trees and shrubs, cut weak branches, and remove any limbs that could damage your home.
- Deck Safety: Never store combustible materials under your deck.
- Detector Maintenance: Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year.
- Dryer Safety: Remove lint from your dryer after every use.
- Washing Machine Hoses: Replace rubber hoses on your washing machine with braided steel hoses to reduce the risk of leaks.
- Visible House Number: Make sure your house number is easily visible from the road to assist emergency response teams.
Prevent Costly Water Damage
Water damage can lead to major issues and expensive repairs. Regularly inspect your plumbing and make necessary repairs to avoid costly failures. Here’s how:
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: Set your thermostat to a minimum of 60 degrees during winter months, let faucets drip, and insulate pipes.
- Leak Detection System: Install a house leak detection system as a backup.
- Toilet Maintenance: After flushing, wait for the toilet valve to finish refilling. If overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve. Inspect toilet components twice a year.
- Water Heater Check: Check the life expectancy and warranty of your water heater and replace it as needed.
- Sewer System Protection: If connected to the city’s sewer system or if your home is below street level, consider installing a backflow prevention assembly.
- Tree Planting: Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent root damage to pipes.
- Washer Hoses: Replace washer hoses with braided steel hoses.
- Vacation Precautions: Turn off the hot and cold water supply valve when leaving the house for an extended period.
Contact a plumbing professional if you notice any of these potential indicators of a plumbing problem:
- An increased monthly water bill
- Banging pipes
- Rust stains
- Moisture in walls or on floors
- Signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation
Speaking of plumbing professionals, in this episode of Let’s Talk Insurance, we speak with guest Matthew McClure, with McClure Plumbing, about smart plumbing! He lets us in on new leak detection technology and more preventative measures to take!