Most neglected home maintenance items
Originally appeared in Bay Area News Group publications on May 16, 2014
I confess to sometimes procrastinating with home maintenance chores. Over the years, however, I have learned that biting the bullet and taking care of these duties can save shekels. It also helps avoid the aggravation of temporarily losing the use of those things we take for granted, like the toilet, shower or washing machine.
Roof/gutters/downspouts
There are different types of roofs and varying roofing materials on them. They all need attention and periodic repair and/or replacement. On sloped roofs, valleys need to be routinely cleaned. The same is true for gutters and downspouts.
Sheet metal flashing is commonly installed at intersections formed by vertical surfaces, such as pipes and chimneys and can be a source of leaks. Torn or missing shingles are problems that worsen as the roof ages.
Gutters and their connections require recurrent caulking or sealing. To avoid expensive foundation problems, make sure downspouts are directing water away from the house, not right next to it.
Range hood
For safety, ranges need an efficient hood that is wider than the range itself. Grease gets trapped inside and should be cleaned out on a regular basis to avoid a possible fire.
Some hoods, like the one we have over my wife’s range, are difficult for most homeowners to clean themselves. If done incorrectly, this could also lead to a fire or damage to the hood itself.
I have been diligently searching for a professional range hood cleaner. Home cleaning services will scrub the surfaces, but not disassemble the hood and remove the grease accumulating inside fans and ducts. It appears that the only companies who perform this sort of work do so exclusively for commercial spaces, not residential. If you know of someone competent and with experience in this area, please contact me.
Dryer lint/washer hoses
Lint and debris can accumulate in a dryer vent, reduce air flow and lead to a fire. According to an online article, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that over 15,000 fires a year are caused by clothes dryers. Lint around and behind a dryer is also a fire hazard.
Dryer screens must be cleaned between every load; the dryer vent needs to be cleaned on a constant basis. There are special attachments for your vacuum cleaner to do this. A strong clue of a clogged vent is if your dryer does not dry your clothes in one cycle. This indicates it is working too hard, may overheat and cause a fire. Keep in mind that the longer the vent hose, the harder it is for the dryer or you to remove the lint.
Washing machine hoses must be securely connected. Look for rust, cracks, bends or bulges. If the hose is damp, check for a leak and replace immediately.
An unattended, burst hose can spill hundreds of gallons of water an hour resulting in both wasted water and property damage. Insurance companies recommend hoses be replaced every three to five years. Make sure you know where the water shutoff valve is located.
Water heater
Hot water heaters contain an anode rod, also known as a “sacrificial rod,” to prevent rust from accumulating inside the tank. Over time, the rod dissolves in the process of doing its job. To add life to a new water heater, have a second anode rod installed before you fill it with water.
If the rod stops functioning, the water heater can rust out. To prevent that, you should drain your water heater every year or two. If the water runs clear, you do not need to totally empty it. If you see rust and/or sediment coming out of your hose, it is recommended that you completely empty and flush the water heater. Paying attention to this can extend its life.
When the water heater overheats, its pressure relief valve releases water from the tank. To prevent flooding, it is prudent to have a pipe leading from the water heater to a safe location outside the house. Over time, the valve can rust and/or leak and may need replacement. Look for signs of rust on the water heater itself, and any slow leaks under the tank.
Other check points
Frequently cleaning under your fridge with a special brush can save strain on the motor and add years of life and efficiency. If the fridge has a cold water dispenser, make sure to change its filter at least once a year. Skylights and garage door openers need lubrication. Vegetation growing on or close to your home could be a fire hazard and attraction for insects and rodents, as well as a cause of damage to the house.
Habitually changing your furnace filter will help you breath cleaner air indoors and possibly add life to your furnace. On irrigation systems, take a look at your sprinkler heads and lines for breaks. Do not ignore slow draining sinks, showers, bathtubs or toilets. They should be inspected by a plumber to determine if it is a simple clogged pipe or a broken sewer lateral.
Finals thoughts
In our busy lives, it is difficult to stay on top of the items above and many more I have not mentioned. Despite that, my experience as a real estate professional and homeowner has taught me how neglecting to maintain a property can be a big mistake. Simply put, out of sight, out of mind, out of pocket comes your money.