Introduction

Regular home maintenance helps you to protect your home investment, provide a healthy living environment and promote increased home value. Housing experts recommend setting aside 1-3% of the market value of your home each year to pay for maintenance and repair costs.

Basic Tools (Always Wear Protective Gloves and Eyewear!)

 

Home Maintenance	Electrical	Plumbing
Claw hammer	Various Screwdrivers	Various Screwdrivers
Set of screwdrivers	Wire Strippers	Pipe Wrench
Wrench	Needle Nose Pliers	Adjustable wrench
Vice grips	Multi-meter	Plumbing "snake" or auger
Pliers	Wire Cutters	Plunger
Utility knife
Duct tape
Flashlight
Flat pry bar
Plunger
Combination Square
Putty knife
Allen/Hex wrench set
Level
Rubber Mallet
Cold Chisel

 

Foundations and Basements

Remove Mold or Mildew

1. Eliminate source of moisture

2. Mix 3/4 cup of bleach with one gallon (3.87L) of water in clean, garden-style sprayer

3. Spray basement walls with bleach/water mix

4. Wipe off mold or mildew with rag

Repair Crack in Masonry

1. Caulk narrow cracks with high quality caulking compound

2. For wide cracks, use all-purpose filler such as premixed bridging and patching compound

Repair Hole in Masonry

1. Use cold chisel and ball peen hammer to clear loose masonry from damaged area.

2. Blow out dust

3. Provide a backing for masonry patch to grip (e.g. wire mesh)

4. Spray damaged area with water

5. Apply masonry patch according to label directions

Exterior Walls, Windows and Doors

Caulk Joints

1. Choose quality paintable silicone/latex tube caulking to maintain elasticity.

2. Cut tube's tip at a slight angle

3. Push tip into joint.

4. Apply caulking.

5. Let dry.

Fix Broken Glass Pane

1. Use chisel to remove broken glass and old glazing compound.

2. Measure exact size of opening and deduct 3mm (1/8 inch) in both directions when ordering a replacement.

3. Roll glazing compound between both hands to form a long, skinny snake.

4. Place rolled glazing around perimeter of opening.

5. Press replacement glass into the compound and seat it firmly.

6. Use putty knife to press brads (glazier's points) into sash every four to six inches (10cm-15cm) to hold glass.

7. Use fingers to apply compound around perimeter then smooth at an angle with putty knife.

8. Let cure for one week; then paint.

Roof

Test Roof for Leakage

1. Flood roof with water from garden hose starting with eaves and working up roof until you reach the top.

2. Check attic with flashlight for wet spots to determine if leakage occurs.

3. If leak discovered, push nail through hole to mark location for roof repair.

Unclog Gutters

1. Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year

2. Start with gutter's high point

3. Scoop out debris with your hands

4. After debris is removed, use a stiff brush to loosen caked-on dirt.

5. Mount high-pressure nozzle with a shut-off valve to the end of a garden hose.

6. Flush out gutters.

Fix a Loose Downspout

1. Push downspouts together.

2. Drill holes.

3. Fasten with two #8 x 3/8 inch galvanized sheet-metal screws.

4. Divert downspout runoff away from house.

5. Connect downspout extenders.

Fireplace and Chimney

Inspect Flue

1. Open damper.

2. Use a mirror and spotlight to check flue.

3. Check with light off also, to view natural light at top of flue

4. If blockage, call chimney cleaning professional.

Creosote Buildup

1. Check damper plate for creosote buildup.

2. Use still brush to remove any buildup.

Empty Ashes

1. Scoop ashes into non-porous container.

2. Use spray bottle of water to keep dust down.

Interior Surfaces

Clean Tile Grout

1. You may use a tile and grout cleaner or you may use 1/4 cup (60 mL) bleach with 1 litre (1 quart) of water.

2. Pour cleaner over grout and scrub into grout lines with soft bristle brush

3. Use sponge and water, rinse surface completely.

4. Use clean rag to sop up extra water so grout will dry quickly

5. Repeat if needed.

6. Apply penetrating silicone sealer for protection. Allow drying.

Fix Cracked or Crumbling Grout

1. Use a hammer and small cold chisel to remove cracked and loose grout.

2. Brush away dust and vacuum surface.

3. Mix replacement grout according to label.

4. Spread grout across surface with rubber trowel

5. Use finger to smooth grout at joints.

6. Allow grout to set up for approx. 30 minutes

7. Use damp sponge to remove excess grout.

8. Let grout dry for at least 24 hours.

9. Apply penetrating silicone sealer for protection.

Appliances

Dishwasher

1. Twice a year, run an empty load with citric acid crystals.

2. Keep drying agent container filled so dishes, glasses and cutlery remain spot-free.

3. Check spray arm for blockage.

4. Remove and clean food trap once a month.

Garbage Disposal

1. Always flush with plenty of water during use.

2. Avoid grinding fibrous materials like cornhusks, shells, whole bones and nonfood debris such as metal, plastic and aluminum.

3. If disposal doesn't grind, check to see if impellers are jammed.

4. Insert hex/Allen wrench into hex-shaped hole on bottom of disposal.

5. Move back and forth to free impellers.

6. If no hex-shaped hole, insert short broomstick into disposal and rotate impellers.

NEVER PUT YOUR HAND(S) INTO A GARBAGE DISPOSAL!

Refrigerator

1. Unplug and slide from wall a few times per year to clean heat exchanger.

2. Check any drains for blockage

3. Vacuum dust from refrigerator coils

Stove

1. Run self-clean cycle when oven is dirty to avoid smoke and burning of food residue.

2. Never use steel wool.

3. Use a cream cleaner designed for your oven type.

4. Gas range tops should be cleaned with soap and water.

5. Check gas ports for blockage.

Clothes Dryer

1. Pull dryer away from wall and vacuum lint from exhaust hose twice a year

2. Brush off back intake vents to keep them clear

3. Change plastic vent hose to metal style.

4. Clean lint screen after every load.

Clothes Washer

1. Run an empty load with a cup of bleach/white vinegar.

2. Inspect supply hose for cracks or bulges

3. Update black style rubber hoses to stainless steel versions

4. Check level of washer to make sure it is wobble-free

5. Adjust feet of washer if necessary for smooth, quiet spin cycle.

Electrical

Outlet Does Not Work

1. Test outlet with second lamp or appliance.

2. Be sure that outlet isn't controlled by switch.

3. Check circuit breaker (or fuse) on outlet's circuit to make sure it has not tripped or blown.

4. Reset breaker or replace fuse.

5. If still not working, turn off outlet's circuit breaker

6. Unscrew cover from outlet plate.

7. Use voltage tester to be sure that all wires are not hot.

8. Check to make sure wires are securely fastened to outlet terminals.

9. Look for signs of charring.

10. Replace outlet if necessary.

11. Place cover plate over outlet.

12. Turn circuit back on.

13. If outlet still does not work, you will need to consult a professional.

Light Switch Does Not Work

1. Turn off power to the light circuit.

2. Remove light switch cover plate.

3. Unscrew two screws that mount switch to electrical box.

4. Use voltage tester to be sure that all wires are not hot.

5. Gently pull switch out of electrical box.

6. Unscrew wires from two terminals and straighten ends with pliers.

7. Twist the two bare ends together and screw with wire nut onto twisted pair.

8. Turn circuit back on.

9. If light goes on, switch is bad.

10. Buy new switch and replace.

Plumbing

Fix Leaking Faucet

1. Don't torque down on faucet to stop drip.

2. Disassemble faucet parts enough to replace washers or seals.

3. Reassemble and test for leak.

4. Leaks around faucet handles mean O-rings on stem need to be replaced.

Unclog Drain

1. You can use a chemical drain cleaner to open a slow-moving drain

2. Beware! Some chemicals can cause damage to certain type of pipes or affect chemical balance of septic system.

3. If drain is not cleared with chemical, plunge drain with plunger at fixture. (Remove drain strainer or pop-up. Fill fixture with enough water to cover plunger's flat rubber cup. Plunge steadily up and down 15-20 times. Keep plunger tightly sealed against fixture. Test drain for proper drainage).

4. Remove hair blockage in sink or tub drain strainer with tweezers.

5. If clag persists, you may be able to disconnect the sink drain "trap" or remove a drain plug at the bottom to clear the clog

Fix Running Toilet

A running toilet is both the water bypassing the seal between the tank and the toilet (flapper may have deteriorated or an object is stuck between it and the seal) or the toilet is filling up too far and the excess water is going to overflow.

If the flapper won't make a good seal anymore:

1. Turn off the water to the toilet.

2. Flush the toilet to get rid of the water in the tank.

3. Remove the damaged flapper and bring it with you when purchasing a replacement.

4. Reinstall the flapper.

If the water is filling up too far:

1. Flush toilet and watch float valve to see how it behaves.

2. If float valve is working properly, try lowering float level by bending rod float is attached to. If it is not possible to adjust you may have to replace the entire float valve mechanism.

3. Turn off water to the toilet and after emptying the tank, remove the float valve mechanism and bring it with you when purchasing a replacement.

Unclog Toilet

1. Remove lid from toilet tank.

2. Raise flapper valve to let water pass and check for clog.

3. Fill bowl half way with water if not full.

4. Push plunger down into toilet drain to create tight seal.

5. Rapidly pump 10 to 20 times with short strokes.

6. If toilet doesn't drain, try snaking drain with auger (Wearing rubber gloves, push auger cable into drain while turning auger handle clockwise. Keep repositioning grip within few inches of entry point as you feed snake into drain. When auger reaches blockage, keep turning and pull back slightly to chew away and dislodge blockage. Push auger cable forward again to grind away and push through blockage. Pull blockage back through pipe if possible.)

Heating and Cooling

Change Furnace Filter

1. Turn off power to unit.

2. Remove door or panel that conceals blower.

3. Standard filters are located next to or under blower motor.

4. Slide filter out along its tracks.

5. Check to see if disposable filter or if it needs to be cleaned.

6. If disposable, buy replacement filter and slide-back into place.

7. Note arrows stamped on filter to ensure proper installation and airflow.

8. Vacuum area around blower.

9. Check for worn belt between motor and pulley. Replace if the belt is cracked.

10. Replace door or panel and close securely.

Relight Pilot Light

1. Turn off gas furnace.

2. Shut off switch or circuit breaker that controls power to furnace.

3. Take thin wire and poke it into orifice where pilot light flame normally burns.

4. Knock off any ash or debris.

5. Check flame adjustment screw for adequate flame height.

6. Relight pilot

Decking and Concrete Patios

Wash Decking

1. Wash decking by hand or with power washer.

2. Scrub decking with stiff fibre bristle brush using sudsy solution of water and laundry detergent

3. Rinse with clear water.

4. Allow drying.

5. If using a power washer, use one that delivers 1200 psi with spray nozzle fan arch of 25-40 degrees. Be careful not to linger too long on one area, as pressure washers can damage a wooden deck surface.

Fix Concrete Crack in Patio

1. For cracks less than 1/8 inch wide, purchase concrete patch sold in a caulking tube and apply according to label directions.

2. For cracks more than 1/8 inch wide, use hammer and chisel to deepen crack at least 1 inch (safety glasses should be worn)

3. Brush away loose debris with wire brush

4. Sweep or vacuum, to remove dust.

5. Mix patching compound specifically for concrete.

6. Trowel patching compound into crack, overfilling slightly.

7. Remove excess with trowel.

8. Smooth to make flush with surface.

9. Let patch compound set.

10. Sprinkle with water several times per day for one week to help cure

11. Apply concrete sealer.

Driveways

Remove Oil Stain

1. Wear old clothes, rubber gloves and safety goggles.

2. Use stiff, long-handled brush and solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) or phosphate-free substitute to scrub stain.

3. Scrub remaining stains with full-strength household bleach.

4. Rinse thoroughly with hose.

Coat and Seal Asphalt Driveway

1. One gallon (3.78 L) of seal coat covers approx. 80 square feet (7.4 square meters), check actual coverage listed on product.

2. Pull all weeds and sweep surface.

3. Use cold-mix asphalt patch to fill holes or wide cracks.

4. Remove stains.

5. Sweep again then hose off surface. Allow to dry.

6. Apply asphalt sealer according to label.

7. Allow to cure for 24 hours before use.

Check System to Ensure Home Maintenance Occurs on Regular Basis

Foundations and Basements

1. Check masonry foundation walls for cracks or weakened, crumbling mortar.

2. Examine main support beams, support columns and floor joists for evidence of bowing or warping.

3. Check wood joists, beams and columns with a screwdriver to be sure wood is solid and free from decay.

4. Examine the inside of basement walls for dampness or water stains indicating seepage or a leak

Exterior Walls, Windows and Doors

1. Check exterior walls for cracked mortar, loose joints or decaying wood.

2. Check painted surfaces for peeling, chipping, blistering, chalking, water damage or decay.

3. Examine all trim for tightness of fit, damage or decay.

4. Check caulking of all windows, doors and siding meets foundation walls, windows and doors

5. Check windows for cracked or broken glass, holes in screens and evidence of moisture.

6. Check weather stripping on doors and windows for damage and tightness of fit.

7. Check that all window and door locks work properly.

Roof

1. Trim back tree branches that scrape against or overhang the roof.

2. Check for curled, damaged, loose or missing shingles.

3. Check for damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers and strainers. Clean out gutters and downspouts when necessary.

4. Check condition of paint on gutters.

5. Examine any television antennas, electrical wires and support straps.

Interior Surfaces

1. Check ceilings and walls for loose or falling plaster, signs of leaks or stains, dirt and damage.

2. Check for odour or visible evidence of mildew or mold.

3. Examine grout between tiles for discoloration and cracking.

4. Check caulking around sinks, bathtubs and showers.

5. Check floors for wear and damage.

6. Check stairs for loose treads, handrails or carpeting.

Appliances

1. Check condition of electrical cords of all appliances.

2. Check for leaks, faulty performance or inoperability.

3. Replace or clean filters where applicable.

4. Remove dirt, grease and build-up on all appliances.

Electrical

1. Check condition of lamp cords, extension cords and plugs.

2. Check for exposed wires and signs of wear and tear in electrical panel.

3. Check appliance cords

4. Test outlets.

Plumbing

1. Check faucets and hose connections under sinks and toilets.

2. Check sinks, tubs and showers for proper drainage.

3. Check water flow and pressure.

4. Check water heater for leakage or rusting. Remove a bucket of water directly from the water heater tap each month to remove any sediment.

5. Check toilet to make sure it is securely fastened to floor.

Heating and Cooling

1. Clean or replace filters.

2. Clean dirt and dust from around furnace, air grills and ducts.

3. Regularly clean out fireplace ash pit.

4. Check insulation/ventilation in attic