House maintenance is something associated with the men in the house. Still, somehow, if you did not grow up being aware of things such as electrical circuits, tile regrouting, pipeline cleaning, and even pest control, you would not know when you need help. American homes can appear whole and sturdy while the inner wall is already collapsing.
For instance, some homes do not even know that they need sewer jetting services until their pipes are clogged up badly. Remember, no one can hold you accountable for not knowing firsthand maintenance. But being aware of the things inside your home is your responsibility.
You cannot simply overlook flickering lights and fluctuating power in your home. While it can be a sign to settle your bill already, it can also mean that the electrical power is not flowing correctly. Your wires might already be fried, or you might be using the wrong outlet voltages, or maybe a stranger is secretly hiding and living in your basement. Either way, maintaining your house in perfect shape might be challenging, but it starts from being aware and observant.
Learn about the general signs that you need to be wary of in your house. These signs are usually indications that something is going on already, leading to disastrous emergencies.
Mold and mildew growth
Black molds are silent killers inside the home. People exposed to black molds get sick, as the intrusive microorganisms magnify any existing health conditions, especially those breathing problems such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. When these are left untreated, it can even eat up your thing walls and tile grouting. You might be surprised that one day, your house will be overrun by mold and mildew.
Molds also have a strong smell. They have a musty scent that is not hard to miss. The moment you take a whiff of something earthy and see black spots surrounding your laundry area in the basement, get a vacuum and dry your walls and floor. Although, this effort will only work if the molds haven’t spread yet.
Clogged up water flow
Have you ever experienced flushing a toilet with poor water flow? That means, even with good water pressure, the water is somehow struggling to subside? It is alarming because there are cases of overflowing, and you do not want this at home.
Some households suffer from this situation, but people tend to live with it anyways. They find ways to counter the clogged toilet problems, such as using a bucket of water to push everything down the sewers. However, these people are also overlooking the bigger problem. Their toilet is too small for everyone, or they have a full septic tank or sewer problems.
So, if you ever feel like your toilet is consistently struggling to flush out waste, you should call a professional service to help you out. Always remember that addressing the problem early is better than dealing with what is left.
Messed up wiring and broken electrical switches
Did you know that in residential places in the country, the primary cause of fire accidents is not wildfires but electrical mishaps? What are these mishaps? First, there are fried wiring, as aforementioned, that people refused to replace, it is hazardous, and it can blow up anytime. Second, broken bulbs and even appliances. While it is understandable that you want to save on money, broken electrical appliances and tools are already compromised. If not causing fire accidents, you may be physically harmed if you continue using them.
For example, if you have observed your electrical stove spiking inconsistently, it is best to stop using it until a reliable specialist checks it. The same goes with your lighting. Check if you are using the correct watts for the respective socket voltages, do not wait until your sockets spark to finally alarm you.
Presence of pests
Pest infestations are one of the reasons why houses are abandoned and then demolished. There are cases of pest infestations that are too severe to treat, and even pest control services call it in. Especially that a large portion of American houses are made of wood, a severe case of termite infestation will eat up your house investment.
So, if you spot any pest such as rodents, roaches, ants, mosquitoes, bees, and even raccoons, you can first clean up your house and yard. However, if the pests mentioned earlier still show up, it can mean they are not only passing by, but they are also living under your house. If the situation escalates, do not hesitate to call in for professional services to help you.
They say house maintenance is the downside of buying and owning a house. It might be accurate, but it does not have to be every homeowner’s reality. With proper knowledge and awareness, you can maintain your home without shelling out a lot of cash.