Winter Problems & Preventative Maintenance: Part 4

Part 4 

Welcome back to the winter maintenance and preventative options that help you save you energy, money and time. In case you missed Part 1, Part 2, or Part 3 check them out and don’t forget to visit HomeFaxInspect.com and NationwideHomeFax.com when you’re done. 

Stow your Lawn Mower

As your lawn mower sits in your garage or shed through the winter season, remaining fuel will decompose, varnishing the carburetor and making it difficult to start your small engine in the spring. According to John Deere, these preventative steps can be taken: If you’ve added stabilizer to your fuel to keep it fresh longer, fill the gas tank to the top with more stabilized fuel and run the engine briefly to allow for circulation. If not, wait until the tank is nearly empty from use and run the engine to use up the remaining fuel. Your owner’s manual may also have information about winter and cold-weather maintenance.

Prune Trees or Shrubs in Late Winter

Although common misconceptions have led most people to trim their trees and shrubs in the fall, horticulturalists advise waiting to prune until late winter for most plants after they’ve been long dormant and just before spring growth begins. One exception is large trees and branches that need to be trimmed continuously away from power lines in case of heavy wind and winter storm damage. For information regarding specific vegetation, consult with master gardeners or horticulturists in your local area and state. 

Sump Pump Testing

Slowly pour several gallons of water into your sump pit, every few months, to gauge whether your sump pump is turning on properly. The average sump pump lifespan is approximately ten years, and this maintenance is even more important during a long dry season or shortly before a rainy season.  

Check back for Part 5 of winter maintenance tips and preventative options brought to you by Home Fax Inspections and Nationwide Home Fax.

Winter Problems & Preventative Maintenance

Part 3

Welcome back to the winter maintenance and preventative options that help you save you energy, money and time. In case you missed Part 1 or Part 2, check them out and don’t forget to visit HomeFaxInspect.com and NationwideHomeFax.com when you’re done. 

Downspout Drainage System

To properly direct melting snow and water away from your foundation and structure, add, fix or replace your downspout drainage system to divert water away from your home. Adding 3’ to 5’ downspout extensions are easy, cost effective, and can have a huge impact on your homes long term condition. Not to mention, as the melting water enters the foundation and freezes, your foundation becomes susceptible to the pressure that the water creates as it freezes. On a similar note, fix any screws or missing fixture pieces as additional pressure is placed on them during the winter as well. 

Turn off Exterior Faucets

No one wants to fix bursting water pipes at any point in time. Turning off your exterior water may seem like common sense, but many people experience bursting pipes from ice expansion and encounter additional unplanned expenses as a result of simply forgetting to handle this task.  Disconnect all garden hoses and drain the excess water remaining in the faucets. If you do not have frost-proof faucets, remember to turn the shut-off valve inside your off home as well. 

Drain Lawn-Irrigation Systems

Many homes have lawn irrigation systems, such as automatic sprinklers, that can also freeze, create pressure, and cause leaks if left un-drained prior to winter. Draining sprinkler-system pipes will help avoid freezing and leaks.  This one may require a professional and a $50-$150 charge, but could also save you thousands in the long-run. 

Check back on Wednesday for Part 4 of winter maintenance tips and preventative options brought to you by Home Fax Inspections and Nationwide Home Fax.