6 Month Maintenance Check Off List

We all have busy lives with schedules and to-do lists. But, in the midst of our hectic schedules, we should not forget to add a 6 month home maintenance check off list to our things to do.

Water Supply Line

Leaks from pipes, plumbing fixtures and fittings are a significant source of water waste for many households. Make sure and check for:

• Water leaks in all the joints.
• Water leaks in all the shut off valves.
• Faucet, Shower, and Tub Leaks
• Toilet Leaks

Whole House Meter Check for Leaks

Larger leaks or a combination of small leaks can often be detected by your water meter. Do these steps to check:

1) Make sure all water is turned off inside and outside the home

2) Record the reading of the water meter, and wait 15 minutes.

3) Record the reading of the meter again. If the meter has recorded water use during the test, it might be due to a leak.

Water Heater

Caring for your water heater will benefit you be reducing heat loss, improving efficiency and longevity and you can prevent your water heater from rusting.

Step 1: TPR Valve: On the top or side of the tank, is your temperature-pressure-release valve. Place a bucket under the pipe that is connect to the TPR and lift the valve’s tab to let water out. If the water keeps flowing drain the tank partway, unscrew the old valve with a pipe wrench, and install a new one.

Step 2: Check the Anode Rod: If the rod is less than 1/2 inch thick or coated with calcium, you need to buy a new one.

Step 3: Drain the Tank and Wash Out Sediment: Drain the remaining water in the tank into the bucket, then stir up the sediment on the tank’s bottom by briefly opening the cold-water supply valve. Repeat until the water looks clean.

Step 4: Adjust the Temperature: For every 10 degrees the temperature is lowered, you can expect to save up to 5 percent in energy costs.

Step 5: Insulate the Pipes: Buy some self-sticking 3/8-inch-thick foam pipe insulation that matches the pipes? diameter and slide the foam over the hot- and cold-water pipes as far as you can reach.

Step 6: Insulate the Heater: Buy R-4.5 foil-covered bubble wrap and fit it around the pipes, the TPR valve, and the temperature control sticking out of the tank.

Air Conditioner

There are specific maintenance procedures you can follow to keep your system operating at peak efficiency. Note: Before doing any work on an air conditioning system, make sure the power to the system, both to the condenser and to the evaporator assembly, is turned off.

• Clean the Evaporator: Clean tray below evaporator unit. This tray carries condensation away from evaporator. Pour 1 tablespoon of household bleach into weep hole in tray to prevent fungus growth.
• Maintain the Condenser: Most air conditioning systems are outside the house and prone to accumulate dirt and debris from trees, lawn mowing, and airborne d?ust.
• Check the Filter: Look for dust build up and clean or replace if necessary.
• Check for Leaks: This could indicate that the pump is broken or the drain hole is blocked.
• Refrigerant: If the system does not contain the proper amount of Freon, little or no cooling will take place. Check to see if there is an adequate amount.
• Test the Thermostat: Check to see if it’s working properly.
• Test the Fan: Clean away debris and dirt from the fan. Test to see if the motor is running properly.

Dryer Vent Lines

1) Unplug the dryer from both gas and electric.

2) Pull the dryer out just to the extension of your vent.

3) Using a screwdriver or nut driver, loosen the 4? clamp (vent clamp) on the back of the dryer.

4) Slide the vent off the dryer.

5) Reach into the hole on the back of the dryer, and pull out any lint and buildup

6) Reach into the vent tubing you just took off and pull out lint from there, as well. Make sure to look at the ends as well.

7) Remove the vent on the outside of the house too: Reach in and clean out the lint or insert your vacuum cleaner tubing into the dryer exhaust tubing.

Roof

It’s important to make a visual inspection of your roof every 6 months.

Inspect for Moss and Algae: Moss and algae can cause significant corrosion to your roof’s shingles.

Clean Debris: Debris tend to collect on roofs over time. Inspect your roof for garbage, leaves, and other debris several times a year.

Check Shingles: Closely examine your shingles and look for loose tabs.

Check for Overgrown Tree Branches: Overgrown branches can cause major damage to your shingle roofing.

Check the Gutters: Make sure that your gutters are clean so that water can freely flow away from your roof.

Check Exterior Grade

Walk around the entire house with a critical eye making sure the grade (dirt or lawn) slopes away from your foundation and basement walls.

Closets

Check closets for mold growth. This is especially important if you have ever placed wet or damp clothing in your closets.

Electrical

Check your entire house to make sure there are no electric issues: Check light fixtures, switches, plugs, etc.

Gas Flex Lines

Leaking gas is very dangerous. Check to make sure that there on no leaks.

• Water Heater Lines

• Dryer Lines

• Stoves Lines

Shower Doors

Check the shower doors to make sure they are sealed?properly and shower grout is intact to avoid any long-term water issues and damage.

Clean Carpets

The biggest filter in your home for dust and debris is your carpet. Just like your air conditioning filter that filters out airborne soils that pass through it, your carpet does the same thing.

Alert Disaster Restoration takes pride in providing the All-In-One Solution to your and your loved ones in your time of need. Alert understands your dwelling structure is more than just a building. It is a home, and it is imperative that it be a healthy, safe place for family and friends.