Home maintenance is necessary, but no one wants to pay for a home repair that could have been avoided. Here are some habits to break now so you don't pay for avoidable repairs down the road:
Watch what you put down your garbage disposal. Your kitchen drain isn't an all you can eat buffet. Putting the wrong things down your drain can lead to clogged drains. Plumbers say that grease and oil are the number one reasons for clogged drains. Certain food peels, eggshells, and even coffee grounds can also hurt on your pipes. Coffee grounds sound like they should be fine going down your drain but they actually clump in water and don't break down.
Changing your air filter regularly can save you a lot of money in the long run. We see it all the time in homes where the air filter looks like it's never been changed. This can cause so much damage to your HVAC system and shorten its life expectancy. An air filter is very inexpensive compared to a new HVAC system that will cost you thousands of dollars. Try buying four at a time so you have enough to last a year.
Don't neglect your gutters. Gutters and downspouts should be checked and cleaned every few months to avoid blockage. Water blockage can lead to major issues with your roof and foundation and cost you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Plumbing leaks aren't something you might think about unless you see it happening, but it's a good idea to check your home for leaks a few times a year. Look under your sinks for signs of water damage, check your toilets for signs of leaking, and check any unused or rarely used plumbing such as the downstairs bathroom or outbuilding utility sink. One trick is to read your water meter, don't use any water and wait a few hours, then read it again to see if the number has changed.
Do you have any maintenance tips to add to the list? We'd love to hear from you!