No More “Yuck!” – Keep Your Home Running Smoothly With These Four Yearly Maintenance Must Dos

I recently had an issue with my kitchen sink not draining.  Yuck!  I had a sink full of dishes and was expecting guests.  Why do these things always happen at the worst possible time?  But it reminded me that I’ve been lax with keeping up with the annual maintenance every home needs.  Yes, as a real estate professional, I should know better.  But with busy schedules, it’s easy to let regular home maintenance fall off your to-do list.

Like many homeowners, you might try to cram certain projects into one weekend. Or worse yet, disaster strikes and you get hit with a large bill since you never got around to a minor task that turned into a major issue.

Stop causing yourself so much stress! Let the professionals help you, and better yet, have a maintenance plan with them.

Why It’s Worth the Money

There are four yearly professional service appointments you should sign up for and schedule as yearly events once you move into your home: HVAC (Heating & A/C), Pest Control/Termite, Drain Service (Hydro Jetting & Drain Clearing) and a chimney sweep.

Having each of these set up on a yearly maintenance plan will keep you on schedule with the appropriate level of maintenance year-round. You will be assured that a professional will use their expertise to monitor each of these so that you can avoid preventable “UGH!” situations or serious problems later on.

At first glance, it seems like a lot of money to spend every year for maybe nothing that needs to be repaired. However, the upfront costs will be well worth it in the long run, helping you avoid more costly damage to your home and unnecessary distress and disruptions to your daily life.

Please take the time and do your homework when it comes to hiring any business. You want reputable, reliable and trust-worthy companies who service your home properly and don’t overcharge or suggest unneeded repairs.

1. HVAC (Heating/Cooling) System

This is the biggie for most homeowners, especially here in the Foothills of the San Gabriel Valley.  Your heating and cooling system affects your day-to-day life all year long, and you want it running smoothly and efficiently.

No one wants to come home to no heat on a frigid January night, or have their air conditioning unit break down during the hottest week of August! A service plan could help prevent that.

Here’s what to expect:

A service plan with a professional HVAC company will ensure that your system is serviced at least twice a year, at the change in seasons.

A technician will test, inspect, and clean as necessary to make sure all is safe and functioning properly.

These maintenance visits are scheduled usually in the early fall and the spring, before your system needs to really crank out the heat or air conditioning. They will contact you to set up an appointment so it stays on your to-do list.

The cost of a service plan is typically less expensive if you scheduled two separate visits without a contract. And, again, you won’t have to remember to call them, since they’ll call you if you are on the yearly maintenance plan.

Some also provide discounts on parts and future replacements. Always check your contract carefully. And as an established customer, you’ll likely get scheduling priority when something does go wrong! This is extremely helpful during the holidays or weekends.

2. Pest Control and Wood Destroying Insect Inspections

No one likes to admit it but some neighborhoods can have rats and other creatures, especially here in the San Gabriel Valley.  And don’t get us started on the damage (and cost!!) that an unchecked termite infestation could do to your home!  Here in the Foothills communities we share the space with the local wildlife and with that comes a greater need to keep up on monitoring all those “critters”.

Pest control really isn’t a true do-it-yourself job. Sure, you can set up a trap or two, or even get out some ant spray, but it really isn’t as effective as preventative measures used by a professional technician.

Here’s what to expect:

A service contract with a pest control company will schedule regular maintenance and inspections throughout the year. They know what to look out for at certain times of the year and at the change of seasons.

It’s all about “control” and preventing an infestation of a wide range of pests such as mice, roaches, spiders, flies, termites, hornets, carpenter ants, etc.

If you have an infestation or a potential problem, they know how to solve the situation in a safe and efficient way that will save you money in the long run.

You’ll develop a relationship with the company and most likely with your neighborhood technician who will know your home and yard and its “problem” spots.

Again, you’ll get priority scheduling if an emergency arises.

3. Drain Service – Hydro Jetting & Drain Clearing (“Snaking”)

Who thinks about sewer lines and drains? Yuck!  But nothing will bring your home to a grinding halt faster than a backed-up drain.  And why do plumbing problems always seem to come at the worst times (holidays, house guests, party, etc.)?

Much like Pest control, plumbing and drain maintenance really isn’t a do-it-yourself job. And more than one plumber has told me about the unintended problems and damage homeowners cause when they pour that goopy drain chemical into a backed-up pipe.  When it comes to drains and sewer lines, prevention with professional maintenance is the only way to go.

Here’s what to expect:

Your plumbing system is complex and requires different types of technology for drain cleaning.  Look for a plumber or rooter company is fully licensed and insured and who are 24-hour emergency plumbers, rooter service technicians, and general local plumbing service professionals so that all the services you need can be addressed at one time.

Hydro jetting is a great way to clean your pipes and has the power to burst open the toughest blockages and at the same time scours the full diameter of the pipe, flushing debris, and leaving lines clear. Powered by 4,000 PSI of water, 18 gallons a minute, with specialized nozzles, that completely clear the sewer line. 

Sewer hydro jet maintenance, as a yearly strategy, keeps all the lines flowing. This is a great preventative maintenance routine.  Hydro jet plumbing professionals will evaluate your needs and design a specific 90-day, semi-annual, or annual preventative maintenance program for your home or property.

Drain Clearing (“snaking”) – Many property owners don’t consider their drains until there’s a clog, an off-putting smell, or their water is backing up. Preventative maintenance is essential for keeping your drains in great shape.

Some of the most common drains in the home that are most likely to become clogged are, tub drains, showers or bathtubs, sinks, dishwasher drains, and downspout drains.  Main lines can become clogged over time from roots, debris, grease and other obstacles in the drain. The plumbing professional will run a machine to cut roots and other debris in the drain to ensure proper working condition.

4. Chimney Sweep (not just for fireplaces)

This task is definitely not a DIY one since it can be dangerous and dirty!

Cleaning and inspecting your chimney requires a certified chimney sweep whose expertise will help prevent your fireplace from experiencing any combustion issues or creosote buildup that could cause a fire in your home.

And just because you don’t cozy up to a fire, doesn’t mean you can skip this one!  Some homes have a chimney to vent its gas heater or gas water heater.

Here’s what to expect:

You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, more if you use it often. This is critical before you begin using your fireplace for the season!

A chimney sweep will clean the fireplace, check the firebox, liners, smoke chambers and flue, and the chimney’s exterior. They have the equipment and the expertise to do this efficiently and safely (and without a mess!).

Service contracts could also include wood-burning stoves.

A sweep will make sure that birds and other critters haven’t set up a nest that can block the chimney. Plus, leaves and other debris can collect and obstruct the chimney.  If your chimney needs repairs, the company can handle this too.

Again, you can develop a relationship with a certain company or technician who knows your home and chimney.

Even if you don’t have a fireplace, some homes have a chimney that is used to vent your gas heat and/or your gas water heater. Double check your home’s set up.

An Ounce of Prevention to Avoid the “Yuck!”

As you can see, investing in service contracts upfront will make your life easier as a homeowner and keep those “Yuck!” moments to a minimum. Your home is being monitored and serviced on a regular basis, helping to avoid more costly and preventable damage later on. And when it’s time to start a new chapter and sell your current home, you’ll command a higher sales price with a house that has been well maintained!

I’m here to help you keep your home the solid investment you expected.  Email me at rachel@yournextcahome.com if you have any questions about service contracts or want recommendations to any local service professionals mentioned above.