Home Operations

Full links and task tutorials:

• Lennar Home Maintenance

• Path Factory

Every few years

Clean water softener’s Brine tank - See google doc for steps to clean brine tank.

Monthly

1. Ensure water softener has enough salt (no water showing).

   • See google doc for steps to clean brine tank.

2. Flush all toilets and run water through every sink, shower, and tub faucet, especially in those bathrooms that are not used on a regular basis, for 60 seconds to prevent grime buildup or water evaporation.

3. Clean and sharpen your garbage disposal by running a tray of ice cubes and an approved cleaning product (not Drano) and/or lemon through the disposal, then flush with hot water.

4. Clean clothes dryer’s lint screen after each use. Rinse with water monthly.

Every Three Months

1. Replace furnace filter

Seasonally

SPRING

1. Check the sump pump to make sure it is operating properly. 

   • This is an every season item.

2. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors or alarms

3. Remove hydrangea chicken wire and stakes. Put in attic

4. Bring deck table and chairs up and set up

5. Bring bikes, scooters, cushions up

6. Cut down ornamental grasses

7. Mower: 

   • Check blade sharpness. May be sharp enough from Fall’s last cut.

8. Clean windows, window screens and sills. 

   • Lubricate window tracks, latches, and/or rollers with 100% silicone spray as needed.

9. For sliding glass doors, clean doors and screens. Inspect sweep or gasket for wear and tear and replace if necessary. 

   • Vacuum and lubricate door tracks, and then adjust rollers as needed.

10. Turn on water spigots and hook up hoses with Teflon tape.

11. Turn on sprinkler system. Inspect and adjust heads for good coverage. Set timer accordingly.

12. Inspect garage door(s), rails, handles, and lock system. Clear the tracks of debris, tighten nuts and bolts, and lubricate hinges and hardware with white lithium spray or grease, as necessary.

13. Consider changing your garage door opener code as a security precaution.

14. Later Spring, inspect and service your air conditioner. Clean/spray off cottonwood and other debris from coils.

15. Drain and refill your hot water heater. Inspect and test your hot water heater safety valve, also known as the temperature and pressure release valve. Inspect water heater for leaks. 

    • First week of May. Be sure to open the hot water drain in kitchen and LL bathroom to allow air to push water out. Blow into the hose if it’s not draining, then flush with cold water to agitate any debris blockage.

    • How to Drain & Flush a Hot Water Tank | Repair and Replace

    • and/or

    • 2 EASY WAYS To Flush/Drain WATER HEATERS! (Pro Plumber Tips For Flushing Your Water Heater GAS/ELEC)

16. Change the batteries on garage opener and front door handle every other Spring, even years.

17. Visually inspect roof for broken/missing shingles and if necessary, repair gaps in roof flashing and soffits.

18. Wash home exterior and deck to remove mildew and stains.

SUMMER

1. Check the sump pump to make sure it is operating properly. This is an every season item.

2. Check and clean the clothes dryer’s entire exhaust vent system, including within the hood on the roof.

3. Switch the rotation of all ceiling fans to counterclockwise to reduce energy use. The direction switch is typically located on the motor housing.

4. Schedule furnace tune up for September, maybe at least every other year?

5. Check fire extinguishers to make sure they are fully charged, not expired, and show no signs of damage.

6. Run dehumidifier as needed in lower level.

7. Inspect, clean, or replace kitchen vent hood filter and clean fan housing.

FALL

1. Check the sump pump to make sure it is operating properly. This is an every season item.

2. Clean gutters of material that could prevent the flow of water.

3. Clean windows if necessary ahead of cold temps. Remove screens for winter. Then they can be washed in Spring before install.

4. Blow out and drain all sprinkler lines and vacuum breakers before freezing temps. Call my guy to schedule.

5. Adjust thresholds and door sweeps, then check weather stripping around doors.

6. Schedule gas fireplace tune up, every other year? Odd years. Visit hearth and home to see other models.

7. Dead head hydrangeas.

8. Put cages out around hydrangea to protect from rabbits. Cut down to size.

9. Schedule or DIY the RO System’s filter replacement and system sanitation.

10. Remove window screens, note their corresponding window w/ marker, and store downstairs.

11. For the air exchanger, clean the filters. The yellow block, yearly in the Fall. The small two filters every 3mo in the Fall, Winter and Spring.

12. Sharpen mower blade, progressively lower height. Mow to final height for winter.

13. Turn off water supply to hose bibs and exterior faucets, and then drain the lines (inside knob) to prevent freezing. Drain hoses, laying them out downhill.

14. Store these items inside:

    •  Bikes

    •  Front porch cushions

    •  Patio set

    •  Battery powered garage items

    •  Hoses

    •  Aerosols, non-freezable substances (car cleaning items), etc.

WINTER

1. Check the sump pump to make sure it is operating properly. This is an every season item.

2. Vacuum and clean out forced air registers and ductwork grilles.

3. Vacuum bathroom exhaust fans.

4. Inspect washing machine hoses for wear, cracks, and leaks. Check the hose connections and tighten if necessary.

5. Turn off air exchanger when temps drop below 0.

6. Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils.

7. Inspect and repair the following caulked areas, as necessary:

   • Kitchen and bath wet areas (i.e., sinks, toilets, showers/tubs, etc.)

   • Countertops, backsplashes, cabinet edges with walls, etc.

   • Window and door seals *Do NOT caulk the undersides of window trim, door trim, or siding. These gaps are designed to prevent moisture from getting trapped within the home structure.

   • Building penetrations (i.e., hoses, faucets, ductwork vents, fireplace and chimney vents)

   • Drywall cracks from interior settling or shrinkage

8. Verify main water shutoff valve is accessible and functioning properly.

9. Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.

10. Inspect, clean, or replace kitchen vent hood filter and clean fan housing.