Getting Nerdy About Houses - 10 Home Maintenance Projects That Take One Hour or Less
If you’re a homeowner, you know that eventually, a door will need adjustment, the stucco will crack, or an appliance will stop working once in a while and need maintenance or repair. It is part of the responsibility of home ownership. As home inspectors and homeowners, we have observed that many of the issues can be solved through simple “do-it-yourself” home maintenance. In an effort to avoid the need to call costly professional repair service, we have provided a list of the Top 10 simple DIY home maintenance tips.
Fix A Running Toilet (time estimate 5 min - 1 hour)
A running toilet can cause damage to your home by flooding water or damage your wallet by wasting running water. You can fix it by attempting to adjust the chain that is connected to the flapper. Oftentimes, this simple adjustment may quickly correct the problem, but if it does not, you may need to replace the internal flushing mechanism. You can fix that by turning off the water at the supply valve, flushing out the water, and replacing the flapper or fill tube or both with a new one.
Fix A Door That Won’t Latch (time estimate 5 min - 30 min)
Sometimes a door may fail to remain closed because the latch has malfunctioned or the hinges may have sagged. You can start by tightening the screws (or replacing the screws with longer screws) at the hinges. If that doesn’t work, enlarge the strike plate hole with a metal file.
Change Your HVAC Filters (time estimate 10 min)
Filters are responsible for removing particles that get into the HVAC system and quickly get worn out. In the dry Phoenix climate, we rely on our HVAC systems heavily. Air filters should be examined and cleaned frequently. (https://dwellinspectaz.com/dwell-inspect-arizona-blog/2022/6/13/nerdy-about-homes-air-filters)
Flush your water heater (Time estimate 1 hour)
One of the most commonly overlooked, yet easy-to-perform, home maintenance activities is flushing water heaters. Water heaters accumulate sediment over time and should be flushed frequently. Flushing the water heater removes the accumulated sediment and it allows the heater to run more efficiently, thus, prolonging the lifespan of the system. https://dwellinspectaz.com/dwell-inspect-arizona-blog/2022/9/15/nerdy-about-homes-how-to-flush-your-water-heater
Check and/or Adjust your garage safety components
There are three safety components that are found in a garage. Two of the safety components are associated with the overhead garage door (photo eyes and pressure reverse system) and the third is a fire-rated door with a self-closure system that separates the interior from the garage. To learn how to check the overhead door safety functions, click here: https://dwellinspectaz.com/dwell-inspect-arizona-blog/what-are-the-safety-components-of-an-overhead-garage-door
To test the self-closure system associated with the fire-rated door, simply open the door and it should close automatically. If it does not, adjustments or replacements of the hinges may be necessary. If the hinges do not solve the problem, there may be another cause that obstructs the closure of the door and other adjustments should be made.
Vacuum behind your refrigerator (45 min)
An area of the house that is commonly neglected and often overlooked is located behind the refrigerator. Behind the refrigerator, you will find dust, food, and all sorts of forgotten surprises. Keeping the area clean, not only is a great idea for home maintenance, but it is also helpful for the longevity of the refrigerator too! Simply, carefully, pull the refrigerator away from the normal resting place and vacuum the dirty area. If you happen to see a large collection of dust on the refrigerator, it is a great opportunity to clean that area too. In this process, the most concerning hazards to be aware of are the potential to damage the floor when moving the refrigerator and the potential to damage a connected water line. If you are careful, this job should be a cinch.
Clear Clogged Dishwasher Filter (Time estimate 15 min)
If the dishwasher is clogged, the spray arms will not have sufficient pressure to clean the dishes at the top. Fix it by pulling out the lower rack and removing the filter cover inside. Then use a wet vacuum to wash out the dirt on the screen.
Clean the dryer duct lint (time estimate 1 hour)
To clean a dryer vent, you’ll need a tool such as https://amzn.to/3Oa8oLc
Then, you will simply, 1) remove the dryer to create enough space to work behind it. 2) remove the flexible ducting connected to the vent that extends to the exterior. 3) Insert the tool into the duct to free the lint from the vent rotating it clockwise and pushing it to the point of exit to the exterior (it will be messy) 4) Finally, clean up.
Check under your sinks for leaks and repair (time estimate 20 min)
When a leak is discovered during a home inspection, homeowners are often surprised. Leaky sinks are not always obvious and the evidence can be hidden by common storage in the cabinetry. The best way to check for leaks is to fill the sink to the top, release the water and watch the underside of the plumbing material to see if any moisture develops. It is handy to have a flashlight during this process as some leaks start very small. If any leaks are discovered, repairs are often fairly easy.
Inspect your roof (15 min)
Before climbing a roof, this should be prefaced, if you are uncomfortable with heights, a ladder or walking on a roof, do not climb on your roof. Hire a professional. Walking on a roof is dangerous and should be taken seriously. There are techniques and skills for safety, research these prior to using a ladder and climbing on a roof to inspect.
The inspection that you perform can depend on the type of roof that is installed on your house, ie, flat roof, tile roof, or asphalt. However, if the object remains the same, you should look for potential abnormalities that may occur on a roof. This can include broken or slipped tiles, torn shingles (asphalt), bubbled areas (flat roof), areas that look to be heavily worn or damaged, areas that collect water, areas of heavy debris deposit, lifted or missing shingles, etc. Identifying any potential issues can help to avoid costly repairs and even extend the longevity of the roof. In Phoenix, we generally suggest inspecting, at a minimum, before and after the monsoon season, but frequently is certainly beneficial.
BONUS - Hire Professional Inspectors
It’s great to learn DIY home maintenance hacks, but some problems may be beyond your scope and need to be checked by a professional. Dwell Inspect offers full-service inspection services for homeowners and businesses in Phoenix and surrounding areas. Contact us at (480) 867-4599 for a free quote.