Come Stitch With Me

Just as we have to maintain our sewing machines, we also need to keep up with home maintenance. As your home ages, it will begin to require more than routine upkeep. Do you have a list of trusted professionals to call in case of an emergency? Can you answer basic questions about your home’s systems?

This morning I noticed a wet spot on the garage floor. Water had seeped in under the garage door. It looked as if hubs had dumped ice or water just outside the garage door before he left for an event this morning. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and the wetness spread down the driveway as the day went on.

Curious, I checked the water meter to see if there was a potential leak as no water was supposed to be running in the house. Yep, the little dial was spinning – meaning a leak somewhere! Given the degree of sudden dampness at the corner of the garage, I turned off the water supply to the irrigation system. Checked the water meter – the dial had stopped spinning. Checked it again an hour later – still no spinning. I placed a call to the irrigation company to come take a look.

My best guess is it’s either a broken pipe or a failed part inside the master control box where the water is distributed to all three zones. Why? It’s located very close to the recent wetness. More evidence that I probably guessed the correct source of the leak? The driveway was completely dry by sundown.

Many of my newer neighbors are first time homebuyers. The homeowner learning curve has been steep for some. Consider this my Adulting 101 of things things every homeowner or renter should know:
(1) Location of water shut-off inside your home or apartment.
(2) Location of electrical panel.
(3) Location and type of HVAC equipment, including thermostats and air filter sizes.
(4) Location and type of hot water tank plus any recirculating pumps.
(5) Location of master battery to security system and replacement size, if applicable.
(6) Type of smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector installed and how to replace batteries.

Nice to know:
(1) Water meter location and how to read it.
(2) Sewer clean-out location. If on septic system, location of tank and clean out connection.
(3) How to turn off water to exterior faucets, so you can drain exterior lines before winter.
(4) Irrigation system: location of main water supply cut-off, master zone control box and interior control console (usually inside garage).
(5) Operating instructions for any smart home features: thermostat, garage door opener, keyless entry system, lights, appliances, etc.

Extra maintenance that is worth it:
(1) Service agreement with reputable HVAC company. They service your system(s) once in the spring and again in the fall. You get priority service when your heat or a/c goes out.
(2) Termite bond agreement. Be sure to periodically reapply termite treatment (usually every 5-10 years). Insure your home against the wood chewing critters and remember to pay the annual fees. For about $200/year and a 15 minute inspection, it’s worth it.
(3) Gutter clean-out. Even with gutter guards, leaves and debris get caught in hard-to-reach places.
(4) Pressure washing and window cleaning (make sure they clean porch ceilings, window sills and screens as part of the quote)