Home ownership can be a source of continual pride and happiness for both you and your family. However, even the most well-maintained home can also be accompanied by a multitude of costly home maintenance activities. In this article we will discuss several preemptive measures that you can take to avoid the most expensive types of home repair.
Check Your Foundation
The most expensive type of home repair is repair to a foundation. Signs of a foundation problem may include doors and windows don’t properly fit a frame, cracks, sloping floors, and any pooling water in the basement or around the edges of your house. This type of damage is caused by swelling and contracting of soil. To prevent lasting damage, continually check for proper drainage. Ensure that the soil around the house slopes away from the foundation. Also be sure to keep your gutters clean and functioning properly.
Maintain Your Water Heater
A second item of concern is a damaged water heater. A damaged or faulty water heater can potentially lead to even greater and more expensive home issues such as flooding. Some indications of a potentially damaged water heater include loud or unusual noises and leaks. To prevent water heater failure, check the pressure valve regularly and flush the tank annually at a minimum. The best way to prevent water heater leak damage is to have a drain pan under the water heater with attached drain pipes so when (not if) the heater begins to leak the water will be carried away safely.
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Keep up With Water Damage
A third home repair item with which homeowners continually struggle is water damage or mold caused by a leak. Signs of a possible leak include a musty smell, peeling paint, and discolorations in the wall or ceiling. To prevent leaks and other water damage, clean out your gutters as often as is practical and be sure to call a plumber to fix leaks in roof or pipes immediately. Also, to keep water out of your basement or lower areas, be sure to test your sump pump at least once a year.
Fix Plumbing Issues Early
Finally, as a home owner you will want to evade, to the extent possible, any issues with plumbing. Marks of possible plumbing issues include discoloration or flaking in exposed pipes, leaks, and rusty water. To avoid this expensive situation, be sure to avoid using chemical products to unclog drains, insulate pipes during the cold months, and hire a plumber to clean out sewage pipes at least once every year or two.
By taking proper care of your home, you can save yourself many issues in the future. Be sure to reduce your overall total cost of ownership for your home by using these prevention tips. Remember, an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure.
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