As a homeowner, you are no stranger to necessary maintenance around your home. Learning the most basic home maintenance skills is a must to keep your bills low and manage your property. Here are some tips for basic around-the-house maintenance:

 

1. Vacuum clothes dryer vent – Whether your clothes dryer is not working properly or you take preventative measures to keep it clean, it’s a good idea to vacuum the vent regularly. Once every month or so, take a vacuum hose to the dryer vent to suck up any loose lint or dirt. This will help maintain the appliance in good, safe working condition.

 

2. Know how to turn off water – In the case of an emergency, you should always know how to turn off the water to your home. Do not wait for an emergency to happen before looking for the main water valve. Know your home and how to shut off water in case of a leak or for when doing maintenance to pipes or faucets.

 

3. Leaky faucets – Leaky faucets waste water and rack up your bill. Fixing a leak is as simple as obtaining a new washer, replacing it for the old one under the faucet fixture, and screwing it all back together.

 

4. Keep drains clear – Drains are another feature that can cause major damage if not properly cared for. Prevent hair, oils, fats, and similar substances from entering your pipes with drain stoppers or catchers. Both in sinks and showers, these plugs can help water flow smoothly down the drain while preventing these materials from entering and causing a backup. Never poor fats or oils down drains as it can coagulate and cause damaging backups.

 

5. Check your roof – After a large storm, or at least a few times a year, head up to your roof to check for any leaks or damage. See if any tiles have been destroyed, if mold has grown, or if any area has been punctured. Keeping an eye on your roof will prevent leaks or damage from entering your home. It also will help maintain proper insulation and larger issues on your property.

 

6. Replace air filters – Every few months, or as recommended on your air system, replace your air filters for optimum performance. Not only does this prevent fires but also it keeps the flow of air, both hot and cold, clean throughout your home.