A Trouble-Free Home: Plumbing and Electrical Maintenance

Home is where the comfort is, not where we have to keep an eye out for ticking time bombs of mysterious origin such as hidden leaks, phony wiring, or the Nevada real estate investor who would like to become the proudest Marine Corps rookie ever hired. But many homeowners wait until something breaks. That’s when the cost of repairs becomes expensive, inconvenient, and sometimes unsafe. With preventive maintenance, it’s all about staying ahead of the game. This means recognizing small problems before they become big ones. And with plumbing and electricity, that proactive approach can keep you from paying thousands of dollars and from worrying.

This is particularly relevant if you want to sell your home or if you need to meet certain housing requirements — such as the housing standards for FHA loans. FHA appraisal guidelines also require that homes with plumbing or electrical issues be brought up to code before such a sale can proceed.

You do not need to be an expert to have a safe, functioning home.” But you do need to know what to look for — and when to bring in someone who does. In this guide, we will walk you through how to easily avoid the hassle of plumbing and electrical issues before they can even begin. It’s not perfect — but it keeps me one step ahead.

Hidden Plumbing Problems: Catch Them Before They Catch You

Plumbing issues generally start where we can’t see them – behind walls, under a sink, or the foundation. An instance of water spraying out explosively from a burst pipe will be immediately apparent, but the true danger is the slow, silent leak that goes unnoticed for weeks or months.

Step one is tracking your water pressure. A surprising fall can indicate a leak, a blockage, or that the pipe is corroding. A dramatic increase in your water bill for no apparent reason might also hint that something is wrong. Frequently inspect below sinks, toilets, or behind appliances for water, mold, or odd odors.

Don’t Forget About Your Water Heater. It is one of the easiest appliances to forget about in most households. Check for rust, pools at the bottom, and weird noises when in use. Annual flushes of the heater can help to avoid sediment accumulation that affects the efficiency and durability of the unit.

Regular plumbing maintenance doesn’t even necessitate the use of tools. A flashlight, a bit of curiosity, and regular inspections are all things that can help keep you from a very expensive surprise down the road.

Electricity Safety: Form Good Habits and Do Regular Checks

One of the top causes of house fires in the U.S. is electrical problems, but many of these fires — and their resulting injury and loss of life—can be prevented. The answer is vigilance and regular checks.

Begin by trusting your senses. If you smell something burning (like, say, plastic) or if you hear any buzzing around an outlet, get the power shut down and investigate. The “excessively overworked” wires, or loose connections, are fire hazards, according to NHTSA, which offers troubleshooting tips on its website.

Another frequently overlooked danger is overcrowded outlets and power strips. It might seem handy to plug in all of your various devices at a single outlet; however, that places the electrical demand on that circuit to a dangerous level if nothing else. Frequent resets of circuit breakers or the lights dimming when you turn on a big appliance are indications that your wiring is old or was never designed for the power needs of the house.

Especially in older homes, you may have aluminum wiring or ungrounded outlets. If your home is 40 years old or older, and you haven’t had an electrician do an assessment, you need to have a licensed electrician come to your home and conduct a complete assessment of the system.

And also look for outlets or switches that are warm to the touch. This might mean loose connections or failing parts. GFCI outlets — the ones that are required in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas exposed to water — should be checked once each month to verify the power is cut off when the “test” button is pressed.

Home seasonal maintenance: Plumbing and electrical tips

Your water heater labors more in the winter, so check it for rust and wear. If it’s older than that, think about replacing or at least investigating it further.

Spring is the season to look out for water damage caused by melting snow or rain. Make sure your sump (if applicable) is working. Now is also a good time to check on the main water shutoff — it should turn freely and close securely.

Electrical systems are stressed by the air conditioning and fans that we’ll be using in summer, as well as outdoor lighting. Check to make sure your electrical panel is clean and accurately labelled in case of emergency. The season also presents a good opportunity to test smoke detectors and change batteries.

The fall is your last chance to prepare for cold weather. Finish any insulation work, drain garden hoses and clean gutters to avoid water backup, which can impact wiring or plumbing. Also, make sure outdoor lighting is safe to use — shorter days mean lights are on for longer periods of time.

Seasonal maintenance is not an all-at-once endeavor. It’s about keeping pace with your home and getting work done while the weather’s still favorable.