Don’t Skip These 5 Essential Maintenance Tasks

Nobody wants to think about home repairs, but they're a necessary evil. The best way to minimize the amount of work you have to do is by performing regular maintenance tasks. Following a home maintenance checklist ensures that your home stays in good condition and that small problems don’t turn into big ones.

Let’s discuss some essential home maintenance tasks that you shouldn't neglect!

1. Maintaining Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps are an important part of keeping your basement dry. They are designed to remove water that has accumulated in a sump pit, typically found in the basement or crawlspace of a home. Sump pumps can be used to remove water after heavy rain, snow melt, or groundwater that has seeped into your home.

While sump pumps are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they do require some maintenance to ensure proper operation.

Here are some tips on how to maintain your sump pump:

• Check the power source – Make sure the pump is plugged into a proper outlet and that the circuit breaker is not tripped.
• Check the discharge pipe – Ensure that the pipe is not blocked and that water can flow freely.
• Test the pump – Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to see if the pump turns on and removes the water properly.
• Clean the pump – Remove any debris that may have accumulated in the pump or in the discharge pipe.
• Inspect the float switch. The float switch is what turns the pump on when water levels rise in the sump pit. Make sure it is free from debris and moving freely.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your sump pump works properly and will protect your home when you need it most.

2. Checking for Window Sill Leaks

When it rains, water can seep through cracks in your window sill and cause damage to your home. To prevent this, you should check your window sills for leaks regularly and seal any cracks that you find.

Water can enter your home through the tiniest of cracks, so it’s important to inspect your window sills carefully. Look for any cracks or gaps in the wood or caulking and seal them with a silicone-based caulk. You should also check the area around your windows for any signs of water damage, such as warped wood or peeling paint.

If you find any leaks, fix them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Water can cause wood rot, mold growth, and other serious problems, so it’s best to take care of leaks immediately.

3. Cleaning Refrigerator Coils

Cleaning refrigerator coils may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. The coils are either behind or beneath your fridge, and they’re responsible for helping circulate cool air. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the coils, making your fridge less efficient. Fortunately, cleaning the coils is easy to do and only takes a few minutes.

Follow these steps to clean your refrigerator coils:

• Step 1: Unplug your fridge from the wall socket.
• Step 2: Use a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt and dust from the coils. Be sure to get in between the coils as best you can.
• Step 3: Once you’ve removed all the visible debris, use a coil cleaning solution (or soapy water) and scrub the coils gently.
• Step 4: Rinse the coils with clean water and dry them thoroughly before plugging your fridge back in.

Cleaning your refrigerator coils regularly will help keep your fridge running efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill. It’s a good idea to clean the coils every few months or so, depending on how often you use your refrigerator.

4. Checking for Pests Around Your Home

Pests can be a huge problem for many homeowners. Not only can they be destructive, but they can also carry diseases that put your family’s health at risk. That’s why it’s so important to regularly check for pests around your home and take steps to eliminate them.

Look outside your home for any cracks or holes in the foundation. These weak spots can be entry points for pests. Be sure to seal up any that you find. Ensure to also check the eaves and gutters regularly for clogs or obstructions. Clogged gutters can provide the perfect breeding ground for pests, so keeping them clean is vital.

Additionally, don’t forget to check inside your home for pesky insects or unwanted animals. Check dark corners and behind appliances. If you have any pet food or water bowls out, keep the area clean so that pests don’t want to stay. Regularly vacuum and sweep floors to remove any crumbs or debris that might attract pests.

5. Cleaning Dryer Vents

Cleaning your dryer vents may seem like a chore, but it is an important part of maintaining your home and keeping your family safe. Dryer vents can become clogged with lint, dust, and other debris, leading to a fire. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that in 2022, there were more than 2,900 clothes dryer fires each year, resulting in an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property damage.

Cleaning your dryer vent isn’t difficult but requires time and effort. You’ll need to disconnect your dryer from the power source and remove the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer. Next, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any lint and debris from the exhaust hose. Finally, use a brush to clean the lint trap and the inside of the dryer vent duct.

Regularly cleaning your dryer vent will help prevent a fire in your home and keep your family safe.

Need More Maintenance Advice? Trust Mr. Handyman of Memphis!

The new year is a time for new beginnings. Why not start the year off right by designing a home maintenance checklist that’ll make your home more efficient and safer? Our Memphis handymen and women are here to support any maintenance projects you need to be completed.