Top 5 Home Watch Tasks to Perform in Your Own Home
July 6th, 2016
- When you leave home, turn the water OFF (at the main valve); slowly and gingerly
- Drain water out of the lines
- Electric water heater can be turned off at the circuit breaker
- Gas water heaters often have a vacation setting
- If you have a re-circulation pump, it must also be turned off
- Love your air conditioner – It works hard, all year long
- Have it cleaned and checked once, or twice, per year
- Change the filters regularly
- The inexpensive, pleated, filters will do the job
- Monitor the humidity
- Maintain a humidity level of 55% or lower
- Setting the thermostat between 76 – 78 degrees usually accomplishes this
- Set the thermostat to AUTO-FAN. Never turn the Fan to ON. That will just circulate the moist air
- Do not open sliders, or windows, when the AC is operating
- If you have a humidistat, be absolutely certain you know how to operate it properly
- Maintain a humidity level of 55% or lower
- Brush. Flush. Check for leaks – especially in the bathrooms that you use infrequently
- Always look for leaks behind the toilet, especially at the valve
- Look under all sink drains in the home for signs of leaks
- If the grout lines are discolored, you may have water leaking under the floor
- Usually from the toilet or shower
- If you have any rubber supply lines, change them to the stainless steel, braided lines
- Conduct your own home watch visit
- Get your flashlight
- Check all ceilings, walls and baseboards for anything that looks irregular
- Spots and stains could indicate wetness or a leak
- Baseboards separated from the wall could be a sign of moisture
- Clean out your pantry
- Old pasta, oatmeal, rice and other grains are home to processed food bugs
- Remove anything that can melt, or spoil, from your fridge when leaving for an extended time
- Check all ceilings, walls and baseboards for anything that looks irregular
- Get your flashlight
Learn how your home works and where the equipment is located. Never, ever, hesitate to ask questions and always feel comfortable calling a professional.
This information is intended as a very general guideline, to increase awareness, only. Every home is different and the responsibility is that of the home owner.
