Summertime is almost upon us: The grass is struggling to stay green, flowers need to be watered more often and birds are singing their songs from morning to night. Before you get too excited about summer break and having the kids 24-7, take a weekend to tend to your home's basic needs after mild winter we had in Florida. These home maintenance tasks can save you time and money in the long run as well as prevent serious problems or safety hazards that could damage your home or put your family at risk. Some of the damage caused may not be covered by home insurance, so it's best to maintain often.
7 Summertime Homeowner Safety Tips:
- Clean all gutters: Gutters help protect every part of your home, so it's important to keep them clear and in good condition. In the spring, your gutters could be clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris that has accumulated. If gutters are clogged, water can back up into the walls/soffit and could intrude into your home.
- Inspect all water pipes/hoses/faucets for leaks: Florida's hard water can wreak havoc on fixtures and appliances: check all faucets, hoses on appliances (such as the dishwasher and refrigerator) and pipes / plumbing--basically any element that runs water or connects a water source--for cracks, leaks or corrosion.
- Inspect sprinklers for any leaks: Turn on your irrigation system and look for uneven water pressure, such as water running too strong or too slowly. Also check the landscape for dry patches or over-watering.
- Service your AC unit (don't wait until it is too hot): You can have your air conditioner serviced by a professional or do it yourself: the most important thing is that you don't wait until the heat is overwhelming to find out your unit isn't working. Check the overflow line from the handler. You can also pour a little beach in the line to keep any bacteria from growing and blocking the line. You don't want it backing up and causing water damage in your home. Check your filter and change it out every 30-60 days. We seem to go from heat to a/c here in Jacksonville and don't get a chance to give the HVAC system much of a break!
- Check water softener levels: It's important to check water softener levels every 3-4 months, and that will be easier to remember if you do it seasonally. Check the settings, salt levels, and clean the unit to ensure it's functioning properly.
- Inspect your water heater: Look for any bulges, leaks, or other damage. If something looks concerning, have it checked out right away by a professional.
- Inspect/test any sump pumps: Inspect your sump pump by examining both indoor and outdoor elements for any damage, ice buildup, or debris. (Be sure to unplug the unit before doing this.) Test the pump by unplugging the unit, separating the plugs, and plugging only the pump plug back in to make sure the pump is activated right away. Finally, run some water through your sump pump to be sure it's working properly.
For all of your Florida home insurance questions and quotes, call or contact Insurance Wagon today.
