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Things you should do yearly
Shut Off Values: Review the location of all of the shutoff valves in your home with all your family members so you'll be prepared for emergencies.
Whole-house water shutoff valves: The main shutoff should be beside the meter if you are on City water. If you use a well, the shutoff will be on the house side of the pressure tank. You should also cut power to the tank.
Toilet Shutoffs: Show your entire family how to shut off the toilet by turning the ribbed oval handle under the tank if it ever starts to overflow.
Sink Shutoffs: You should handles beneath the sinks or within the cabinets; the one on the left is usually for hot water, the one on the right for cold.
Dishwasher Shutoffs: Look under the kitchen sink for a reducer coupling and shutoff valve leading to the dishwasher on the ˝ inch hot water sink supply line. It could also be between ceiling joists just below the appliance if you have a basement.
Gas Shutoff Valve: Identify location and show entire family how to shut off.
Electrical Panel/Breaker box: Identify location and show entire family how to shut off main breaker in an emergency, or flip any circuits back on after an overload. (If it's a common occurrence, consider hiring an electrician to upgrade your panel or wiring).
Gas-Fired, Forces-Air Central Heating Systems: Hire a licensed HVAC person to inspect the thermostat, electrical components and controls, check the heat exchanger, flue, ducts, air flow and air fuel mixture, adjust the burner and oil the motor and circulating fan.
Fireplaces and Chimneys: Have your wood burning fireplaces and stoves inspected annually and cleaned and repaired as required to prevent chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and mortar and flashing failure.
Things to do in the Fall
Have your furnace or heating systems serviced by a qualified service company every two years for a gas furnace and every year for an oil furnace.
Lubricate the circulating pump on the hot water heating system.
Check and clean or replace air filters each month during the heating season.
Vacuum electric baseboard heaters to remove dust.
Remove the grill on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts.
Have well water tested for quality. It is recommended that you test for bacteria once a year.
Check the sump pump line to ensure proper operation and to ensure that there are no line obstructions or visible leaks.
Remove screens from inside casement windows to allow for the heating system to keep condensation off window glass.
Ensure that all doors to the outside are shut tightly and check other doors for ease of use. Replace the door weather stripping if required.
Ensure windows and skylights are closed tightly.
Cover any outside air conditioning window units.
Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall so that water does not drain into your basement.
Clean leaves from roofs and downspouts and test the downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof.
Check chimneys for obstructions such as a bird nests.
Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close the valve to the outdoor hose connections and drain the hose bib, unless your house has a frost-proof hose bib.
If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before the spring. Tanks should be pumped at least once every three years.
Things to do in the Winter
Check and clean or replace furnace air filters, each month, during the heating season.
After consulting your hot water system owner’s manual, turn the electric off to the water heater and drain the water tank. This will help control settlement and maintain efficiency. Refill the water tank and then turn the electric back on to the water heater.
Clean your humidifiers two or three times during the winter season.
Vacuum the bathroom fan grills.
Vacuum your fire and smoke detectors, as dust or spider webs can prevent them from functioning.
Check the gauges on all fire extinguishers and recharge or replace them, if necessary.
Check your fire escape routes, door and window locks, and lighting around the outside of your house.
Check all faucets for signs of dripping and change the washers as necessary. If you have a fixture that is not used frequently, such as a laundry tub, spare bathroom sink or tub, shower stall or toilet, run water briefly to keep some water in the trap.
Clean the drains in dishwashers, sinks, bathtubs and shower stalls.
Test all plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working properly and to prevent them from seizing.
Things to do in the Spring
Have the fireplace/wood stove chimney cleaned and serviced as needed.
Check the air conditioning system and have it serviced every two or three years.
Clean or replace the air conditioning filter, if applicable.
Check the humidifier and clean it, if necessary.
Check all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and security alarms; replace the batteries as needed.
Clean all windows, screens, and hardware. Check your screens to see if any repairs are needed.
Open any valves to your outside hose connections.
Examine the house's foundation for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture; repair as required. Ensure the sump pump is operating properly.
Check downspouts for loose joints and clear any obstructions to ensure water flows away from the foundation.
Clear all drainage ditches and culverts from debris.
Things to do in the Summer
Monitor basement humidity and use a dehumidifier to maintain a safe, relative humidity.
Check basement pipes for condensation or dripping and take corrective action. For example, reduce humidity and/or insulate cold water pipes.
Deep clean your carpets and rugs.
Vacuum the bathroom fan grill.
Disconnect the duct connected to the dryer and vacuum any lint from duct.
Check the security of all handrails.
Check for the smooth functioning of all windows and lubricate as required.
Lubricate all door hinges and tighten screws as needed.
Lubricate garage door hardware and ensure proper operation.
Lubricate the automatic garage door opener, motor, chain, etc. and ensure that the auto reverse mechanism is properly adjusted.
Check and replace damaged caulking and weather stripping around all windows and doors.
Check the exterior wood and trim for signs of deterioration. Clean and replace/refinish as needed.
Remove any plants or roots that contact or penetrate the siding or brick.
Check the overall condition of your roof. Note the condition of all shingles and examine all roof flashing, such as chimney and roof joints, for any signs of cracking or leakage.
Check the chimney cap and the caulking between the cap and the chimney.
Repair the driveway and walkways as needed.
Repair any damaged steps that present a safety problem.
Average Life Expectancy -
Appliances:
Dishwashers
5 to 12, Disposals
5 to 12, Washers
5 to 15, Dryer
10 to 25, Water Heaters
5 to 15, Electric Water Heater
10 to15, Refrigerators
15 to 20, Gas Stoves
15 to 20, Oven and Range
15 to 20, Electrical
17, Garbage Disposal
6 to 15, Trash Compactor
8 to 15, Microwave
11, Faucets
13 to 20, and Toilets
50.
Heating and Air Conditioning: Life Estimate in Years:
Warm Air Furnace
10 to 25, Oil
Tank 20, Heat Pumps
10 to 15, Water/Steam
Boiler Welded Steel 15 to
30 years, Water/Steam Boiler Cast Iron 30 to 50
years, Central Air Conditioning
10 to 15, and Gas Chillers
8 to 15,
Plumbing- Life Estimate in Years:
Galvanized Water Pipes
20 to 25 yrs.
Septic/Sewer Pump - 5 to 10 Years.
Roofs', Gutters and Downspouts: Selvage or Asphalt
12 to 15,
Wood Shingle
10 to 20,
Fiberglass
15 to 20,
Asbestos Shingle
40 to80,
Slate
40 to 80,
Tar and Gravel
15 to 25,
Metal
- 60,
and Gutters and Downspouts:
Galvanized 20 to 25 yrs.
Wells Information
Well:
A checklist for consumers with
water wells. Find out from the seller or real estate agent the age of the
well and whether it is registered with the Division of Water
Resources. Wells constructed before 1972 may not be registered. If the
well is registered, get the permit number and look up the permit at the
state Division of Water Resources, which can be reached at (303)
866-3447. The permit describes any restrictions on the well. Some
permits allow the well to supply water only for use inside the house. Ask
the seller or agent how many gallons per minute the well can pump. A
typical residential well should be able to pump at least 7 to 10 gallons
per minute. Colorado licensed pump installers or well drillers can be
hired to measure a well pump's production and assess whether it will meet
your needs. A list of contractors is available at -
www.water.state.co.us. Ask
about water quality. A state-certified lab can test it. For a list of
labs, call the state water quality control division at (303) 692-3500. Ask
neighbors if they have had any water quality or water pressure
problems. Find out the depth of the well on the property you are
considering buying and compare it to neighbors' wells. Inspect the well
and make sure it has easy access for repair and maintenance, that the
ground slopes away from the top of the well for drainage, that it has a
weather-tight seal and that the casing is made of steel. Make sure the
well is at least 50 feet away from a septic tank.
For municipal wells:
Contact the city or water
district that supplies the water. Ask about any restrictions on water use
such as outdoor watering or landscaping. Ask about water quality. Find
out about water fees such as set monthly charges, the rate charged per
1,000 gallons and any special surcharges. Ask how many wells the city or
district is drilling each year and how that cost will affect rates. Ask
what the district's plans are for accommodating future growth. The
Colorado Water Congress is a source of information to find contacts for
water providers. Their number is
(303) 837-0812 and the web site is
www.cowatercongress.org.
Source: state division of water
resources.
What to do and when to do it for everything in your home!
Plus, phone numbers for your extended warranty if you already have one on your appliances or mechanical system, etc - Home Maintenance and Servicing Tips.
What you can do
before
you call us for
help -
Troubleshooting Problems.
Brought to you by
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty, Inc
(303) 986-3900 or
Toll Free (800) 571-0475
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Providing Quality Warranty Plans & Service to
Homeowners, Sellers, Buyers, Investors,
Realtors, Agents or Brokers, New Home Builders,
Developers, Contractors, and Insurance Providers
in Colorado - Since 1985.
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