October 26, 2023

As a homeowner, identifying problems around your house early on can save you time, trouble, and money in the long run (and who doesn’t love saving money?) Minor issues in the home can quickly add up if not addressed in a timely manner. For example, inspecting electrical wiring may not be something that comes to mind often, but routine maintenance can ultimately save you from dangerous circumstances that may not be covered fully by home insurance. A well maintained home is a happy home. Our maintenance checklist will help keep your home in good shape over time, as well setting you up to get maximum value for your house if you ever decide to sell. Keep this "Yearly Home Maintenance Checklist" handy by posting it on your refrigerator. Checking off each item annually will help you to properly care for your home, so you can continue to be a proud owner year after year.

Plumbing

From the kitchen to the bathroom, you’re going to be putting those pipes to work on the daily. Regularly inspecting your plumbing system including pipes, faucets, toilets, and drains, is absolutely crucial to prevent potential water damage and costly repairs to your home. Any undetected leaks can lead to a spike in utility bills and major plumbing issues that are difficult to resolve. Performing these few tasks per year will keep you in the clear:

Toilet

• Regularly inspect the toilet tank for any signs of leaks or cracks to help avoid water damage

• Clean toilet regularly with appropriate cleaners

• Avoid flushing non-flushable items

Sinks/Faucets/Drains

• Keep all three clean from mineral deposits and soap scum on the daily

• Inspect and clean the drain stopper

• Check for any leaks or drips around the faucet

Refrigerator

• Clean coils in the back or underneath the fridge to help improve energy efficiency and prevent overheating

• Check and adjust temperature settings to ensure food preservation

• Clean and organize the interior now and again

• Regularly replace the water filter

• Inspect door seals for any leaks or damage

Washer/Dryer

• Clean dryer lint trap after each use

• Regularly inspect your washing machine’s filter and detergent dispenser to help prevent clogs

• Periodically check and tighten hose connections

Water Heater

You know those stress-relieving hot showers you get to take after a long day of work? Let’s make sure we keep those in the daily rotation. That means proper water heater maintenance:

• Regularly flush the tank to remove sediment buildup to help maintain efficiency and prevent corrosion

• Check and replace the sacrificial anode rod when necessary to prevent tank corrosion and extend the lifespan of your water heater

• Regularly inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it is functioning correctly for safety purposes

Garbage Disposal

The only kind of clogs you should have in life are the ones you wear on your feet (and even those are debatable). Take these steps to make sure your garbage disposal is running smoothly to prevent any unwanted clogs or odors:

• Regularly run cold water while operating the disposal to flush away food particles and keep the blades clean

• Avoid putting non-food items, fibrous materials, or hard objects into the disposal to prevent damage

• Periodically grind ice cubes or citrus peels to help freshen and remove any built-up debris

Home Heating and Fire Response Systems

Preventing any fire hazards in your home should always be high up on your home maintenance priority list. While you may think that this situation can only be caused by a scenario such as a candle left burning, there are many other areas of the home that can result in gas leaks or faulty wiring if not regularly monitored. Be sure to keep tabs on the following areas of your home in order to minimize the risk of accidents and be prepared to respond effectively in the event of any emergency:

Chimney

• Schedule regular chimney inspections and cleanings to remove creosote buildup and ensure proper ventilation

• Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping the firebox

• Avoid burning wet or unseasoned wood

• Install a carbon monoxide detector near the fireplace to monitor gas emissions

Fire Extinguishers

• Keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations throughout the house, especially in the kitchen and near fire-prone areas

• Familiarize yourself with the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for using a fire extinguisher effectively

• Regularly check the pressure gauge of fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged and functional

• Understand the types of fires different extinguishers are designed to combat and have the appropriate extinguisher for each area

Smoke Detectors

• Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home, including inside and outside sleeping areas

• Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries annually

• Clean smoke detectors regularly to remove dust or debris

• Replace smoke detectors every 10 years to ensure they are up to date with the latest technology

HVAC Systems

• Schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system, including cleaning, inspection, and filter replacement

• Regularly check air vents and registers to ensure they are clean and unobstructed

• Keep flammable objects away from heating equipment and ensure proper clearance around the system

• Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors near your HVAC system to detect any potential leaks

Wall Furnace

• Have your wall furnace inspected and serviced annually by a professional technician

• Keep the area around the wall furnace clean and clear of any flammable materials

• Regularly check the pilot light and burner for proper operation and a clean flame

• Ensure proper ventilation by not blocking or covering the air vents or grilles

Range Hood

• Clean the range hood and filter regularly to remove grease buildup

• Check the range hood fan and light regularly to ensure they are functioning properly

• Ensure that the range hood is properly vented to the outside to remove cooking odors, smoke, and fumes

• Keep flammable items away from the range hood while cooking

Interior/Exterior Caulk and Seal

Caulking and sealing are important for maintaining energy efficiency, preventing water intrusion, and improving overall comfort in your home. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance can help identify areas in need of attention and ensure a well-sealed and protected living space.

Interior Caulking

• Inspect the interior caulking around windows, doors, and baseboards for any cracks or gaps

• Use a caulk gun to apply a new bead of caulk to seal gaps

• Smooth the caulk with a caulk smoothing tool or a moistened finger

• Choose a paintable caulk if you plan to paint over it to match the surrounding surfaces

Exterior Caulking

• Check the exterior caulking around windows, doors, vents, and other openings for signs of deterioration or gaps

• Remove any old or damaged caulk using a putty knife or caulk remover before applying new caulk

• Use a high-quality, waterproof exterior caulk suitable for your specific needs

• Apply caulk in a continuous bead, ensuring full coverage of gaps and joints, and smooth it for a tight seal

Window Sills, Door Sills, and Thresholds

• Inspect the window sills, door sills, and thresholds for cracks, gaps, or deteriorated caulking

• Clean the surfaces thoroughly before applying new caulk to ensure proper adhesion

• Apply a generous amount of caulk to seal the gaps and create a watertight barrier

• Consider using a clear or color-matched caulk for a seamless appearance

Window and Door Weather Stripping

• Check the condition of weather stripping around windows and doors for wear, tears, or gaps

• Replace any damaged or worn weather stripping

• Install weather stripping tightly and ensure proper alignment for effective sealing

Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts

Keeping the roof over your head well-maintained includes, you guessed it, performing regular maintenance on the roof!

Roof

• Inspect the roof regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracked or missing shingles, sagging areas, or loose flashing

• Clear away debris, such as leaves, branches, and moss, from the roof surface

• Schedule professional roof inspections every few years to identify and address any underlying issues early on

• Ensure proper attic ventilation to prevent excessive heat buildup

Gutters

• Clean the gutters at least twice a year to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris

• Check for any leaks, loose connections, or damaged sections in the gutters and repair or replace them as needed

• Consider installing gutter guards or screens to prevent debris from entering and clogging the gutters

• Ensure that the gutters are properly pitched towards the downspouts to ensure efficient water flow and drainage

Downspouts

• Inspect the downspouts for any blockages or obstructions and clear them out using a plumber's snake or a garden hose

• Ensure that the downspouts direct water away from the foundation of the house

• Secure the downspouts firmly to the side of the house to prevent them from becoming loose or detached during heavy winds

• Consider adding extensions or splash blocks at the bottom of the downspouts

If you’re a homeowner, we know you already have a pretty solid basis of responsibility. However, we know how hectic life can get! Home insurance is great, but even better when you’re not having to submit claims all the time.