Having a handy home checklist lowers plumbing and HVAC repair costs and is a proactive way to make sure the systems work at their best.
Bathroom Checklist
Start in the bathrooms by:
- Checking the faucets or shower for drips — Drips mean excess water is going down the drain and costing you money.
- Clean all drains
- Clean all faucet aerators — The aerator is the small screen-like filter in some facets to control the water stream.
- Fix any toilets that run
Kitchen Checklist
Many of the same fixes work in the kitchen:
- Check the faucets for drips
- Clean the drains — You can buy a mild drain cleaner to use monthly to keep kitchen drains flowing.
- Check the garbage disposal for leaks — Leaks from the garbage disposal will damage cabinetry under the sink.
- Clean all faucet aerators
Septic and Sewer Checklist
Repairs to these systems are some of the most costly for homeowners. You can avoid problems with regular check-ups that include:
- Septic system maintenance — This includes regular professional inspections and tank pumping to avoid clogs and overflows.
- Sewer main maintenance — Just understanding how the main line runs is a plus. Many times sewer main stoppages are due to tree roots, so having the line snaked regularly can prevent stoppages.
HVAC Checklist
Good HVAC maintenance starts with having a professional system check-up at least once a year. A technician will verify that the system is working efficiently and make minor repairs if necessary. As a homeowner, there are things you should do regularly. Consider incorporating them as part of your spring cleaning ritual.
- Clean debris from the outside unit.
- Do a visual inspection of the base of the unit for blocked drains, damaged coils and holes in the cabinet.
- Check fan blades both while they are spinning and when stationary.
- Dust off the control box.
In addition, you should change the filters on the inside unit at least once a month.
It takes just a few minutes to make sure these important systems are free from damage and working at peak efficiency.