Don’t Overlook These Household Maintenance Tips for Avoiding Costly Leaks

It goes without saying that household flooding and water damage from plumbing and other household issues are time-consuming and costly to deal with. There are a number of reasons that property could encounter such damage. Though some may be outside of your control, there are a lot of household leaks that could be avoided with regular checks and routine maintenance. Here’s a look at some simple steps you can make today that can save you thousands of dollars.

Maintain your washing machine

Homeowners may not be aware of this, but you need to maintain your washing machine. Simply changing out the washing machine hoses every five years can reduce the likelihood of leaks.

Be mindful of running toilets

When you flush the toilet, does it seem to never stop refilling? This is often known as phantom flushing and it can not only mean there’s a plumbing problem somewhere, but it can set you back on your water bill each month.

Check hidden areas

Some leaks go undetected simply because of their location. Every few months, it is a good idea to check underneath your sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator for leaks.

Inspect ice maker hose

If you have a refrigerator that has an automatic icemaker, you should be sure to check the plastic hose occasionally. If you notice that it is cracked or discolored you should change it to prevent leaks.

Invest in leak detection alarms

Smart features for homes have become so advanced that now, there are alarms that will not only detect when there’s a leak, it will automatically shut off the water until you’re able to handle the matter. There are kits and tools that have leak detection kits you might consider investing in. Such devices reduce the amount of damage from water and the buildup of mold allowing you to take care of the plumbing issue without all the cleanup.

Inspect accessible pipes

any pipes in your home that are exposed or easy to access should be inspected occasionally for condensation and corrosion. Also, inspect the flooring around the pipes as cracked or warped floors could mean there was a leak.

Water heater inspections

your water heater should be inspected at least once every year. Pay attention to a bulging tank, corrosion, or leaks. You should also have a professional look at them at least once every three years to inspect the anode rods to ensure they’re not corroded.

Have your HVAC serviced

homeowners tend to forget about things like the heating and cooling system until something goes wrong. Beyond not having adequate heat or cool air, there’s also the chance that there could be an expensive leak you’re unaware of like in leaky radiators or clogged drain pipes in the attic air handler. Homeowners can save money by completing easy DIY tasks like changing the filters and cleaning out vents. Other tasks are best handled by an HVAC contractor who will inspect things like the radiators and drain pans to ensure there aren’t any problems before they get out of hand.

Roof and gutter maintenance is a must

When it rains or snows, the roofing system is responsible for keeping the water from entering your home. The water is able to slide off the roof, into the gutters, and away from your property. Having roofers to inspect the roof at least once every two years and cleaning the gutters at the change of each season can reduce the likelihood that your home ends up damaged from a leak.

By keeping up with this list of home improvement jobs, homeowners can reduce the chances of their home being damaged by plumbing leaks, natural elements (rainwater), or other disasters. Though some of these tasks can be completed on your own, if you’re not comfortable with it, or it could be risky (like roofing work), you may want to hire contractors like a roofer, plumber, or HVAC specialists to handle the job for you.