The worst home maintenance mistakes you can make

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Ignoring Clogged Gutters

It’s easy to take gutters for granted, but experts are unanimous: don’t. “While gutters may seem like they can’t cause much damage, if the home’s gutters are leaking or clogged, this can cause water to not drain properly, which leads to erosion and cracks in the foundation,” says Kam Gondek, president of Gutter Pros in Chicago. “This, in turn, causes basement flooding and a world of other very costly issues.” Gondek also warns that water trapped in clogged gutters can expand during very cold weather, potentially causing gutters to fall. The solution? Gondek recommends a yearly cleaning, just after most leaves have fallen, to make sure there are no obstructions.

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Going Crazy With a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer seems like an efficient way to keep your home looking fresh, but a regular old garden hose might be the better bet. “A pressure washer can actually damage your exterior elements, as it may strip the paint off of your siding or loosen your shingles,” says Constantine Anest, owner of Ethos Roofing & Restoration in Denver. “This may lead to further property damage, as stormwater will now have easy access to the underlying layers of your home’s exterior.” If you just can’t resist the pressure washer, be sure to use caution, urges Albert Lee, founder of Home Living Lab. “The pressure washer should be used at a 40 degree angle to avoid head-on pressure,” Lee says. “When dealing with fragile surfaces like wood, homeowners can also opt for a low-pressure nozzle and maintain a distance of 6 inches away from the surface.”

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Neglecting Your Dryer Vent

“It amazes and slightly scares me how many adults don’t know about dryer vent lint and the hazards it can produce for your family and home,” says David Drab, owner of Strong Wall Construction in Maryland. “Dryer vents can build up with laundry lint, which is highly flammable. A telltale sign it might be time to clean your vent is if your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry, indicating a clogged vent is present.” Drab recommends having the dryer vent cleaned at least once a year, but says large households that do a lot of laundry may need to do it two or three times a year.

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Letting Trees Grow Unchecked

There’s nothing quite like a yard full of lush, mature trees, but experts urge homeowners to keep an eye on them. “Trees can become a major liability if not properly cared for,” cautions Michael Clarke, founder of home management platform Pulled. “Large branches can fall onto roofs or windows and cause damage from wind or heavy snow.” Of course, trees are also a favorite conduit for creepy crawlies and other pests. “Branches too close to your roof provide rodents easy access, which can then create a way to enter your home’s attic, destroying your insulation,” says Andy Lindus, chief operating officer of Wisconsin-based Lindus Construction.

Need help cutting back trees or handling other household maintenance tasks? Check sites like Thumbtack to find professionals in your area.

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Using Chemicals to Clear Drains

Products such as Drano are a convenient way to clear a stubborn clog from your sink or shower drain, but plumbers almost universally urge caution. “Chemical detergents are the worst enemies of every bath or kitchen sink,” says Stephany Smith, plumbing engineer at MyPlumber in the U.K. These clog cleaners can actually just “push the clog down the pipeline, causing even more stubborn obstructions to deal with.” That means you may yet end up paying a plumber a few hundred bucks to unblock the drain. A better DIY solution for stubborn clogs, Smith says: A drain snake that can physically remove the blockage.

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Ignoring Your Water Shut-Off Valves

Join the club if you’ve completely ignored the valves under your sinks or behind your toilets. While common, that negligence could be very costly if it goes on too long, experts warn. The valves have a “vital role in cutting off the water supply when you are away for a long time or need to stop water if there’s a pipe leak, appliance fault, or fixture installation,” Smith says. “Clean rust, dirt, and debris off the valve by using a mixture of soap and water. This is a simple five-minute chore that can prevent a water-damage situation.” Smith also recommends turning the valve on and off once every six months to make sure it hasn’t gotten stuck in one position, and replacing it every five years.

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Skipping HVAC Inspections

We rely on our heating and cooling systems to keep us comfortable throughout the year, so why do so many of us turn a blind eye to routine maintenance? Brandi Andrews, owner of National Air Warehouse, says regular HVAC upkeep includes keeping up with filter changes, ensuring units are clean and free of debris, and bringing in experts to do an annual checkup. “If you fail to do this, your machines will begin to perform at a lower level and could eventually stop working altogether,” Andrews warns. “Regular maintenance on these units is important and should be addressed on a yearly basis.”

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Using the Wrong Cleaners

Remember, not every cleaner is suited to every surface. Cristina Miguelez, remodeling specialist at Fixr, warns that two of homeowners’ favorite cleaners, vinegar and bleach, can cause trouble if you’re not careful. Bleach,…

Read More:The worst home maintenance mistakes you can make

2021-09-06 15:00:00

The worst home maintenance mistakes you can make

Ignoring Clogged Gutters

Going Crazy With a Pressure Washer

Neglecting Your Dryer Vent

Letting Trees Grow Unchecked

Using Chemicals to Clear Drains

Ignoring Your Water Shut-Off Valves

Skipping HVAC Inspections

Using the Wrong Cleaners

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