Things to Do For Your Home In December
We're halfway through December, and while you may be busy with the holidays, it's still important to make sure your home is taken care of. Every month, a few tasks should be accomplished to make sure that your home stays in tip-top shape. This doesn't just apply if you're planning on selling a Colorado Springs home (but it certainly won't hurt if you are!). Even if you just moved into your home, or you have been there for a while, and plan to be there for a while longer - properly maintaining your home in the winter is important. Here are a list of tasks that you can accomplish in December to keep your home safe during the winter!
Regularly Check for Ice Dams and Icicles
If you didn't clean your gutters in the fall, it's extremely important to get them cleaned now. It's not just for appearences sake, either. When there are build ups in your gutter system, it can be incredibly easy for ice dams to also build up and stop all water flow. That will cause them to overflow, and then not send the water where it should go. Icicles should also be removed. They are pretty, but they are also heavy and can cause damage.
Inspect Hoses on Washing Machine, Dishwasher, and Icemaker for Leaks
Especially in the winter, you need to make sure that hoses are in good working order - especially if you own a second home that you don't stay in during the winter. Inspect all of your hoses on units that use water to look for cracking. If you do find that the hoses are worn, you need to have them replaced to save yourself from a potential leak.
Remove Showerheads and Clean Sediment
Are you noticing that your shower head just isn't performing as well as when you first installed it? It could be getting a build up from the minerals in your water. You can unscrew it and place it in a bowl of water with vinegar to help disolve the build up. If you can't unscrew it, you can also fill a sandwhich bag with water and vinegar place it over the head, and secure it with a rubberband.Check Sinks and Toilets for Leaks
Toilets and sinks can be infamous for leaks. If you have a crawlspace under your home, you'll want to get down there and take a peek. Catching leaks while they're small can be incredibly helpful. If they get bad before you catch them, freezing temperatures can cause ice to form, and much larger issues ahead.Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
'Tis the season to test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors! Winter makes it especially important because if you use gas to warm your home in the winter, the carbon monoxide detector can let you know if the levels get too high for you to be in your home should something go ary.Clean Garbage Disposal
We remind you every month, but it's important to clean your garbage disposal. This isn't just for cleanliness, but it can help keep bugs and pests from invading your home. You can toss some lemon rinds, ice, and a little bit of soap into your disposal, turn it on with the water running, and let it clear out. This is generally all that it will take, but you may have to flip the rubber seal inside out and wipe that off as well.
Every month you can do a few easy tasks to help keep your home in good working order. You can look through our past blogs to learn what other tasks are if you are just joining us. The MacGuire Team is here to help with all things relating to your home, because we know that owning a home can feel like a huge responsibility. If you don't currently own, but you have been thinking about it - it's time to talk with the best real estate agents in Colorado Springs.
Mike MacGuire
Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent
The MacGuire Team
6760 Corporate Dr
Ste 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
719-536-4324 or 719-660-6793
Mike@BuyWithMike.com
Comments