Preventive Tips for Home Maintenance

Home maintenance is not a stroll in the park, and most of us are learning it the hard way. We’ve been having our fair share of struggles, too. Whether you’re a new homeowner or already have some experience at hand, it wouldn’t hurt to pick up a few new tricks. We’ve stockpiled some preventive measures that you’ll surely need to add to your maintenance routine.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s start with the basics.

Dirty Little Secrets of Your Washing Machine

You’re probably aware that your dryer contains a lint filter that needs cleaning after every use. But did you know that your clothes washer has one, too? These filters are often helpful in catching lint, dirt, and other debris in your clothing.

You can check your owner’s manual to see if your washing machine has one. Typically, this filter is accessible in the following locations:

At the back of the removable front panel of the machine’s base
Near the top of the washing drum
Along with the hot and cold inlet hoses

Keep your washing machine functioning at its best. Prevent this filter from clogging by cleaning at least once a year. Doing so lowers the risk of drainage problems and excessive vibration.

A Chimney’s Crowning Glory

See the cap of cement that protects the top of your chimney? That’s what many refer to as the crown. It works by blocking the entry of debris and unnecessary critters from reaching your home.

The crown creates a collar around the most extended portion of your chimney. It also serves as a fireproof channel for heat, smoke, and sparks. Although the crown appears in a sloped position, constant exposure to various elements can put it in distress, resulting in cracking and chipping.

To cure it, apply a coat of crown sealer. And while you’re up there, you might as well do the following:

To protect exposed bricks from moisture, spray them with clear masonry sealant. You can use a garden sprayer to get the job done
Install a stainless-steel chimney cap that has a spark arrest to keep flaming embers from escaping

Power Washers, Or Is It?

A power washer is a standard household tool known to be helpful in all kinds of cleaning tasks. It uses a high-velocity motor to deliver pressure on various surfaces. However, power washers are too powerful that they could lead to other serious issues, such as:

Remove the mortar from between the bricks
Dampness inside walls can lead to decay and mildew
Chip regions of wood grain from decking boards, creating unsightly ridges in the process
Peel off the paint on exterior surfaces
Unintended injuries

So, if you want to improve your cleaning experience, ditch the power washers. Instead, you can make things much easier by using a yard hose, a cleaning solution, and elbow grease.

Crystallizing Salt Tank

Do you have a water softener? We all know the importance of soft water in our lives. But sometimes, we forget to maintain it the way it needs to be. The filtering system uses salt crystals as a medium, and in some cases, water may not feel as soft as it should be. In that case, you may be having one of these problems:

Salt bridge. A salt bridge happens when the salt and water form a hard crust. As a solution, you can use any tool to poke and break up this salt bridge.
Salt mushing. As the salt dissolves, it can form a sludge in the softener tanks. It can prevent water circulation and ruin the filtering process. One way to cure this issue is by completely draining the tank and manually remove the salt residue.

The Growing Pains of a Duct Work

Ducts are very helpful when it comes to indoor air circulation. But are you aware that temperature changes can cause these ducts to contract and expand? Like most appliances, ductwork joints can become loose. This situation can cause air to leak out through gaps and holes.

Suppose you noticed that your room seems like it’s not getting any cool or warmth. In that case, you should check your ducts for any signs of leaking. When you do find one, you can repair it quickly by using metal tape.

Final Thoughts

There are many home maintenance tasks at hand. And sometimes, we often tend to overlook the critical areas. These pointers can help you avoid costly mistakes, saving you time and money in the future.