5 Common Home Maintenance Mistakes Every Homeowners Should Avoid
A recent survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance claims that one-third of American households have experienced an unexpected home repair of over $5,000. However, most cases may have been avoidable as signs were likely ignored. In fact, homeowners often neglect routine maintenance that causes permanent damage to the home.
Keep in mind that when disaster strikes, you will need to do repairs as soon as possible. Aside from having an emergency fund set aside, it is also an excellent idea to follow regular home maintenance and fix minor issues before they become worse. So before you get started, check out these 5 common home maintenance mistakes every homeowner should avoid.
Skipping Winter Maintenance
Homeowners often overlook their water systems when the cold months arrive and leave their sprinklers unmanned. However, when temperatures drop, water pipes can freeze and ultimately break. This may cause you to have a rupture without even knowing it. As a result, proper restoration and replacements can cost you more during the winter season.
Using The Wrong Carpet Cleaners
After a sudden spill, it is understandable that you would want to remove the stains as soon as possible. But using a cleaning solution immediately, without doing a spot test, can ultimately damage your carpet. Without a proper carpet cleaner, you may not be able to remove all the dirt, dust, and other debris. Not to mention, it is also possible that the machine will ruin your carpet. Investing in quality carpet cleaning equipment will not only save you money, but it will also help speed up the cleaning process and keep your carpets well-maintained.
Keeping Faulty Appliances
Buying a new appliance may be expensive at the start, but an already malfunctioning appliance can end up costly. Using a faulty appliance can cause surges in your home’s electrical system as this can cause the electrical wires deteriorating faster. If you are unsure of why your appliance isn’t working well, consult the brand and seek professional advice. They will review your faulty appliances to determine which items to repair and those that must be replaced.
Repairing Low Water Pressure On Your Own
Debris in the showerhead and even the buildup of lime may cause low water pressure. But if the issue remains after cleaning the shower head, now’s the time to schedule an appointment with your plumber. There may be a more serious issue that requires replacement, such as a fractured pipe, a water leak in the system, or a deteriorated waterline.
It is not recommended to fix these problems on your own, especially if you do not have any background in plumbing. Attempting to DIY may make the problem worse and cause you to end up paying more than what you should have in the beginning.
Ignoring Exposed Wiring In The Bathroom
It is not uncommon for homeowners to neglect exposed wiring, especially in the kitchens and bathrooms. However, the more you delay on repairing any exposed wiring, the more your home becomes at risk of dangerous electrical issues. The best thing to do is to have these damaged wires fixed as soon as possible.
There should also be a ground-fault circuit interrupter installed to shut down the power when it is tripped. This will reduce the risks and protect you from receiving an electric shock.
These are just a few common home maintenance mistakes that you should avoid to reduce the risk of costly repairs. Knowing when to replace malfunctioning appliances can save you some money and keep your utilities bill down, too. After all, it is better to have professionals look into any electrical or plumbing issues that you may have, rather than do the repairs yourself.
