^The Inspector Speaks

Preventative Maintenance Checklist

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

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