Your Spring Maintenance Checklist

1. Drain your water heater of sediment to extend its lifespan and improve energy efficiency. First, turn off power to the hot water heater at the breaker box. Then, turn off the cold water supply by turning the valve clockwise. To help with the water flow, open the hot water faucet in your tub or one of the sinks. Next, connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of your tank. Run the other end of the hose to your outdoor drainage system or backyard (you can also empty the water into a bucket if it is large enough

2. Ensure electrical safety. Before you start using your swimming pools, air conditioning, and other electrical, go over a home electrical safety checklist and review the 5 common home electrical issues to prevent fire and shock. Make sure you are testing your smoke & CO detectors, GFCIs and AFCIs every month. Look for any electrical cord and appliance damage and have the equipment repaired or replaced; and make sure that extension cords are only used temporarily.

3. Inspect your gutters, canales, downspouts, siding, fascias, soffits, foundation, roof and basement for signs of water and drainage issues. If you haven’t cleaned your gutters in the last 3 months, there’s probably a lot of leaves and debris to get rid off. When your gutters overflows, water runs down the side of your home, damaging your foundation and possibly causing water leakage into the home. Get a ladder, your work gloves, and a partner to help you clean the gutters safely. After you are done removing everything in your gutters, run your garden hose along your gutters, which is always a good way to spot leaks.

4. Inspect your home for plumbing leaks. The fastest way to find out if you have a plumbing leak is to locate your main water meter, which should have a leak detection dial. Other thing you should check include:

• Sump pumps
• Back-flow valves (consider installing them if you don’t have them)
• Basement foundation, walls, and windows. You can seal minor crack around the basement with waterproof epoxy and larger gaps with expandable foam spray.
• Toilets
• Garbage disposals

Teach everyone in your household how to turn off your water, gas, and electricity in the case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to get your automatic sprinkling system ready so you can save money, water, and avoid a summer catastrophe.

5. Conduct air conditioning maintenance. If you don’t want your air conditioning unit to break down on the hottest day of the year, schedule annual maintenance from a professional as soon as possible.