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Repair that leaky gutter now for pennies or wait until your siding and foundation have suffered severe water damage and pay big? When it comes to property maintenance, an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure.
The following checklist is a guide to help get you started on a regular preventive maintenance schedule for your property. Before inspecting, cleaning, or making electrical repairs, be sure to shut off the power or unplug the device. For maintenance of or repairs to plumbing fixtures or water-using appliances, you may need to shut off the water.
Fire Extinguisher
Check that it's fully charged and recharge if necessary
Smoke Detector
Test batteries and replace if necessary
Sink and Tub Stoppers
Clean out Debris
Garbage Disposal
Flush with hot water and baking soda
Heat pump
Clean or replace air filter; clean condenser and evaporator coils and condensate drain; remove snow and/or debris from outdoor portion of unit
Air Conditioner
Clean or replace filter; clean condenser and evaporator coils and condensate drain
Faucet
Clean aerator
Tub Drain Assembly
Clean out debris; inspect rubber seal and replace if necessary
Floor drain strainer
Clean out debris and scrub strainer
Dishwasher
Clean strainer, spray arm, and air gap
Basement and foundation
Check for cracks and moisture, and repair if necessary
Toilet
Check for leaks and repair if necessary
Interior caulking
Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks and replace if deteriorating
Water heater
Drain water until clear to eliminate sediment; inspect flue assembly (gas heater)
Garbage disposal
Tighten drain connections and fasteners
Clothes washer/dryer
Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas
Refrigerator
Clean drain hole and pan (more often in warm weather); wash door gasket; vacuum condenser coils
Roof
Inspect roof surface, flashings, eaves, and soffits, and repair if necessary
Gutters and downspouts
Clean out (more frequently if necessary); inspect and repair weaknesses; check for proper drainage and adjust if necessary
Siding
Inspect and clean siding and repair if necessary
Exterior caulking
Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating
Windowsills, doorsills, and thresholds
Fill cracks, caulk edges, and repaint, replace if necessary
Window screens and screen doors
Clean screening and repair or replace loose or damaged frames and repaint if necessary; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware, tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers
Evaporative air conditioner
Clean unit; check belt tension and adjust if necessary; replace cracked or worn belt
Heat pump
Lubricate blower motor
Whole-house or attic fan
Clean unit; check belt tension and adjust if necessary; replace cracked or worn belt; tighten screws and bolts; lubricate motor bearings
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Storm windows and doors
Replace cracked or broken glass; tighten or repair loose or damaged frames and repaint if necessary; replace broken, worn or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers
Window and door weather-stripping
Inspect and repair or replace if deteriorating
Drain-waste and vent system
Flush out system
Hot water heating system
Lubricate pump and motor; bleed air from radiators or connectors
Forced air heating system
Vacuum heat exchanger surfaces; clean and lubricate blower blades and motor; check fan belt tension and adjust if necessary; replace cracked or worn belt; check for leaks in ducts and repair if necessary
Gas burner
Clean burners and ports
Thermostat
Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts; check accuracy and replace if necessary
Garage doors
Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks; tighten screws
Septic tank
Have a professional check tank (watch for back-up throughout the year)
Water heater
Test temperature-pressure relief valve and replace if necessary; clean burner ports (gas heater)
Refrigerator
Test door seal (replace gasket about every six years); check temperature and adjust if necessary
Recirculating fan (range hood)
Replace pellets in charcoal filter
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