Utah Disaster Kleenup: Spring Home Maintenance

Eric Fairbanks with Utah Disaster Kleenup has a spring maintenance to-do list to consider.


Exterior

Inspect the roof

Look for curled or wind-damaged shingles. If not maintained, they could lead to leaks.

Clean gutters and downspouts

Make sure they are directing water away from the house. Sprinklers should also be positioned so as not to cause puddles near the foundation of your home.

Check the attic

Look for vent blockages, damaged soffits, or wet spots in the insulation or leaks. Also check for proper ventilation.

Prune trees and shrubs

Once again, check for proper drainage. Annual growth can result in blockages or disruption of water flow.

Check the air conditioning

Central units should be clear of debris and foliage. Evaporative (or swamp) coolers should be checked for leaks; a broken water line can severely damage every level of your home.

Inspect siding and stucco

Check for any chipping that can leave it open to moisture. Seal as required.

Check windows and doors

The extreme cold of winter followed by the extreme heat of summer can wreak havoc on seals and caulking. Check to make sure the weatherproofing is still intact.

Check the sump pump

Most homes in our community don’t have these, but if you do you must ensure it is working properly. Install a battery-operated pump as a backup.

Check outdoor spigots and hoses

If a pipe has frozen during the winter, your basement can flood when you turn the spigot on. Make sure hoses are out of window wells before turning them on.

Inspect sprinklers and yard

Ensure that sprinklers do not pool near the foundation of your home. Also, make sure that drainage from your yard is not flowing to your neighbor’s yard (and vice versa).

Electrical System

Inspect light fixtures

Make sure the light bulbs in all of your fixtures are the correct wattage

Check power cords and sockets

Replace any extension cords that have become brittle, worn, or damaged. Make sure the sockets are not overloaded with too many plugs.

Protect from surges

Inspect all of your electrical appliances and computer equipment and make sure they have surge protectors as needed.

Data and documents

Ensure that all computer data is backed up (preferably off-site). Also make sure that important documents are stored in an area safe from fire and water.

Water System

Check your water heater

Look around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. If your water heater is over five years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced.

Identify and inspect shutoff valves

Check each plumbing fixture to make sure they function properly. Know the location of all valves and what equipment and water lines they serve. Teach all family members.

Inspect sewer and drains

Your home is equipped with drains on bottom-level floors. Make sure these are not covered with clothes, boxes, or flooring. If water does enter your home, these drains can prevent a lot of damage.

Fire Protection System

Inspect Detectors and Alarms

Check and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If they are not clean, they will not work.

Change the batteries

Switch out the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every six months. Newer homes may have alarms hard-wired into the electrical system, but batteries act as an important backup.

Check fire extinguishers

Always have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Make sure it is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed or Factory Mutual (FM) approved. Check the gauges to make sure they are charged and ready to use.

Review fire escape plan

Review and even practice your plan with the entire family. Know what to do and where to go.

Sources: www.StateFarm.com,
www.seasonal-home-maintenance.suite101.com


For all those difficult clean-up jobs, check out Utah Diaster Kleenup at www.utdk.com

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