Marell Inspection Services, Inc.

Maintenance Suggestions

Prevention Is The Best Approach

Although we've heard it many times, nothing could be truer than the old cliché An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your house in great shape. It also reduces the risk of unexpected repairs and improves the odds of selling your house at fair market value, when the time comes.

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The Plumbing System
Task Season Comments
Clean showerheads, aerators, and drain strainers. Spring Soak in warm vinegar. Use a pin to clean clogged openings.
Clear slow drains. Spring Fill wash basins, sinks, and tubs with 3 inches of water and allow to drain.
Check water lines, valves, and fixtures for leaks. Any season, once a year Look carefully for corrosion and slow leaks.
Open and close main and secondary water valves. Any season, once a year Close and open the valves to ensure that each is working correctly.
Test water heater T&P valve Any season, once a year Lift the valve handle. If water comes out, the valve is good. If no water discharges, the valve is bad and should be replaced. If water discharges, but won't stop, the valve is bad and should be replaced.
Drain sludge out of water heater Any season, once a year Mineral sludge can build up in bottom of water heater and reduce efficiency and service life.


The Electrical System
Task Season Comments
Inspect receptacles and cords for wear Any season, once a year As electrical cords age, they can become brittle and crack, exposing you and your family to risk of shock and fire.
Switch main and subpanel breakers on and off Any season, once a year Toggling switches will help prevent corrosion and sticking.
Test GFCIs ground fault circuit interrupters Once a month GFCIs have test buttons that, when pushed, trip the circuit. Pressing the reset button should restore power to the outlet. If a GFCI does not operate properly, replace it.
Test AFCIs arc fault circuit interrupters Once a month AFCI's also have test button that, when pushed, trip the circuit. Pressing the reset button should restore power to the circuit. If an AFCI does not operate properly, it should be replaced.


The Heating And Air Conditioning System
Task Season Comments
Clean or replace air filters Fall and Spring Clogged furnace and air conditioning filters will reduce efficiency and degrade indoor air quality.
Have system professionally cleaned and tuned Every 3 years Provides effective operation and maximizes service life. Some heating companies offer reasonably priced maintenance contracts.
Have ductwork professionally cleaned Every 3-5 years Dirty ducts can degrade indoor air quality.
Clean fans and coils Summer Scrape blades clean with a putty knife.
Check fan belts for snugness, alignment, and wear Summer Loose belts can reduce fan speed, squeak, and wear quickly.
Lubricate fans, pumps, and motors Summer Use oil sparingly. Most newer fans, pumps, and motors have sealed bearings and do not require oil.
Cut foliage away from outdoor condensing unit As needed Condensing unit must be clear to allow it to dissipate absorbed heat.
Sweep fireplace chimney Fall Accumulations of 1/8 or greater can be a fire hazard.


General Maintenance
Task Season Comments
Inspect for wood-destroying pests and organisms Every 2-3 years Hire a pest control inspector to inspect the crawl space and attic.
Check exterior siding and trim for damage Fall Repair before the rains begin.
Check roof surfaces for damage Fall Repair before it starts raining.
Clean gutters Fall and Winter As the trees lose their leaves, the gutters must be clear to drain correctly.
Clean off roof Fall and Winter As the trees lose their leaves, the roofing surfaces must be clear to allow water to drain correctly.
Repaint weathered siding and trim Summer Wind and weather can strip wood of finish and allow it to rot.
Coat wood decks with wood preservative Spring Sealing the deck annually will provide a better cosmetic appearance and maximize its service life.
Recaulk windows, doors, and siding Fall Splits and gaps in old caulking let water and cold air into the home.
Trim back overgrown trees and shrubs Summer Tree limbs, ivy, and vegetation can damage roofing and siding and attract rodents.
Replace smoke detector batteries Spring and Fall A convenient time to change batteries is with the changing of your clocks in the Spring and Fall
Test smoke detectors Every other month This simple test can save your life.
Check site drains Fall and Winter Make sure all surface drains are clear of debris to allow water to drain away from the home.
Check garage door auto reversing and infrared beam Any season, once a year Use a 2-inch block of wood to ensure the garage door stops and reverses correctly.