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C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M
74
R E G I S T R Y & F I R S T H O M E
Car owners understand the necessity of having their
vehicle maintained so it runs properly and lasts a long time.
Like regularly changing the oil in your car, preventative
maintenance to your house will help the materials used to
build it last longer and avoid extensive repair projects. And,
just like properly maintaining your car is necessary for the
safety of your passengers, taking care of your house can
help keep your home safe and avoid injuries to your family
and friends.
The following is a check-list of preventative maintenance
projects that are sometimes overlooked:
WELL WATER
Take a water sample to a laboratory to test for purity.
CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONER
Clean or replace the air filter.
Prune any shrubbery that is restricting the circulation of
air.
ATTIC, BASEMENT AND GARAGE
Clean and discard paper and junk.
Remove the grates from drain pipes in basement and garage
floors and in the driveway, then scoop out muck and flush
with garden hose.
Vents in Foundation, Soffits and Eaves
Make sure screens are intact to keep out squirrels and other
rodents, birds and insects.
Knock off wasp and bee nests from eaves.
WOOD DECKS
Nail any raised boards and hammer in any popped nails.
Refinish with stain or paint if raw wood is exposed.
Look for signs of decay and termites in wood near or in
contact with the earth.
SEWER LINES
Inspect the grass above the sewer lines. If it is greener than
adjacent grass, it mayindicated a leak in the line.
SUMP PUMP
Test the motor and pump by filling the sump with water.
If the motor doesn’t start or thepump doesn’t pump, call a
repairman.
SEPTIC SYSTEM
Have it inspected and cleaned if necessary.
GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Scoop out leaves, seed pods and other debris.
Flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose.
Look for pools of water that reveal sags in the gutters.
Straighten bent gutter hangers.
DRIVEWAY
Patch holes and seal cracks.
Resurface if the concrete is flaking from salt or chemical ice
removers.
FENCES
Hammer in popped nails.
Tighten loose posts.
Paint or stain if raw wood is exposed.
SIDING
Look for blistered or peeling paint. Decide if it is time to
paint your house.
Check for popped nails and loose or cracked clapboards.
Caulk when necessary.
SLIDING DOORS
Clean the tracks.
Check the locks and tighten the hardware.
SCREENS AND SCREEN DOORS
Inspect, repair and clean the screens and screen doors. It
may be necessary to paintthem before re-installing.
FIREPLACE
Clean and empty the ash pit if the fireplace has one.
HOT WATER HEATER
Drain the sediment from the bottom of the tank.
Consider having tank insulated to reduce heat loss.
EXHAUST FANS
Clean the blades.
Oil the motor.
ORNAMENTAL IRON RAILINGS
Sandpaper rusted areas and treat with rust-inhibiting paint.
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT
Identify the fuse or circuit breaker that controls each
circuit; make a diagram and affix itnear the box.
POWER LAWN MOWER
Wash or replace the air filter.
Fill the crankcase with new oil.
Install a new cutting blade when necessary and sharpen the
blade each month.
Preventative Home Maintenance