The countdown has begun, and you know what that means: it’s time to make your house sparkle for the holidays! You may be wondering how to do all of those last-minute things like cleaning, decorating, and shopping. One thing to consider is your home maintenance issues and how to fix them. You definitely don’t want these problems popping up now, so be proactive!
You never know what can happen in your house when you least expect it. For example, you might come home from a long day at work to find that the pipe broke, or the ceiling fell down. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for these types of emergencies and how to deal with them if they do arise. In this article, we will be discussing common home maintenance issues and how to fix them.
When and where do problems strike?
As we all know, maintenance issues come up more often than we would like them to. This is because wear and tear have a tendency to build up over time, causing some day-to-day problems that we often overlook. There may be a lineup of problems lurking away in the garage, closet, or backyard, but how do we find them? For a jammed garage door, you might have the garage door opener repair guy on speed dial. Have an expert on all home call services, but you will lack space in the shortcuts on your phone.
Before solving any problem, it is important to figure out what exactly is causing it. Some of these issues may seem like a big deal at first glance, but once you go in-depth into their causes and how to solve them, you may realize that the issues aren’t as complicated as first thought. This will save you from wasting time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Prevention is half the job
In order to avoid any major household maintenance-related issues, it is important to keep on top of things at all times. Anything from fixing a jammed garage door opener, repairing an old bike tire, or simply installing a dimmer switch, the less you wait around to fix a problem, the more money and time you will save. With that being said, it is often the small problems that add up over time and end up becoming big problems.
As the temperature changes over the seasons, different parts of your home will require maintenance. Home maintenance is crucial for keeping things in place, so you can enjoy many relaxing years with your family and save some money along the way. The last thing you want is a leaky roof or broken window to ruin your day.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
If your faucet is leaking, dripping, or spewing water out of the sink or bathtub at a rapid pace, you may need to call the plumber (make sure it is a professional service) to fix the problem. This could be because the leaky faucet needs to be tightened or there is a crack in it that needs to be sealed. Leaks behind the sink are often easy fixes for those with some plumbing experience; simply seal up any cracks in your pipes where they are met with taping and use some caulking around pipe joints that leak.
It is important to note that you should never try to fix a leak behind the sink if it is coming from the floor, as this means there could be a crack in the pipe under the house. This is dangerous because there could be water leaking below, which can cause mold or rot on your subfloor.
It is a good idea to check the water systems in your home every season, as the elements can impact the pipelines and walls as easily during the summer, as they can freeze over in winter.
Getting Rid of Musty Smells in the House
It’s not always our fault when there is a musty smell in the house. If you have an unfinished basement or attic, or if your home has been closed up for some time, all of these factors can lead to musty smells in the house.
If you have a musty smell coming from the basement, then you should check for any cracks or holes in your foundation that may be allowing air to pass through, pushing out the musty odors. You should also check your window wells, as leaves can get piled up in these, causing water problems and the resulting odor.
You can also get a mildew smell in the laundry room if there isn’t enough ventilation and there is too much moisture. If this sounds like you, then you’ll want to open up some windows and doors or turn on an exhaust fan to dry out any wet fabrics.
If you dry your clothes in a dryer, but you lack the proper exhaust vent, then this will lead to an increased risk of musty or mildew odors. The best way to combat this problem is by purchasing and installing a vent that connects to the outside of your house. This will help air circulate throughout the space and prevent any moist smells.
Cleaning the Dryer Vent
If you have a clogged dryer vent, it can lead to all kinds of problems. Not only should you schedule an appointment with the plumber to clear out the vent, but you should also consider investing in a dryer booster. This device will help remove lint build-up, and it is well worth its price.
If you don’t have this equipment, then you can try using a hanger or something similar to poke through blockages. Just make sure that you are gentle when removing debris from inside your vent because it’s possible to break the piping if you apply too much force. You should never run your dryer during this process because there might be gas lines passing through the vent that could combust if they come into contact with heat.
To get the most out of your home maintenance routine and avoid costly repairs in the future, it is best to have a plan. If you start this plan as soon as you move into your home, you will have the capacity to spot any potential hazards before they become a problem. It is also a wise idea to schedule regular appointments with a plumber so that minor problems can be handled in a timely manner and so that major issues are taken care of before they turn into disasters.
