Maintenance and home repair costs can bust a big hole in the family budget. That has been a known fact for long time homeowners. But it doesn’t need to be that way. By being responsible and knowing how to maintain your house, you’ll be able to save a lot of money on home repairs.
How to prevent large home repairs

Check out the tips below to minimize the possibility of any large home repairs in the future.

Watch out for plumbing problems

Leaks, clogs, and backups are a serious mess to deal with. Having a reliable plumbing professional is always good to have. In any case, the right tools and knowledge can help you avoid dealing with messy repairs. Here are 3 common plumbing problems and how to watch out for them before they turn into a mess.

  • Kitchen Sink Backup. If you feel like your sink is starting to drain slower than usual, then you may have a clogged pipe. Flushing the drain with hot water helps melt away oil and grease from the pipes. Running your garbage disposal and ensuring your strainers are clean are also helpful.
  • Clogged shower and bathroom sink. Hair and soap residue are the most common things that clog bathroom pipes. Before you are faced with a messy backup, use a wet/dry vacuum to clear the drain. This trick has worked wonders for a lot of households.
  • Leaking toilets. If you’re suspecting a leakage, you may have to test the waters. Put a few drops of dye or food coloring into the toilet tank and let it sit overnight. If the water in the toilet bowl has changed color, you definitely have a leakage problem. Leaving this unresolved could cost you a larger than usual water consumption bill. Time to change your flush valves!

Check your roof and attic every 6 months

Water leaks from the roof can cause big issues. Left unattended water could seep through your ceilings causing stains and drips. It could run down your walls and cause rotting and mold. When it reaches your electrical line, it could cause short-circuits. Check your roof every 6 months or preferably every spring or fall.

  • Watch out for growing moss, algae, and fungus and gently clean them by washing and brushing.
  • Check your roofing for missing or damaged tiles or shingles and replace them.
  • Dehumidify as needed if you find any dampness in your roof.

Ensure your home is termite-free

Termite problems are serious ones. Termites feeds on your home and eats your money. Their insatiable hunger for wood has caused tremendous problems for homeowners. Prevent these destructive creatures from entering your home by doing the following:

  • Keep your exterior walls and foundation dry. Drain water away from them. Make sure that all spouts and drainage are flowing out as far away from the house as possible.
  • Fix any water and moisture problem immediately. Termites flourish in water damaged areas and you don’t want to give them that.
  • Downspouts and gutters must always be clear. This is to avoid clogs that may lead to water damage

It may seem like hard work to maintain a house but it’s a responsibility every household should shoulder. Think of it as a fun bonding activity with your family and prevent large home repairs in the future!