Water heaters are the type of appliance that can last for years. Once installed, they don’t need constant attention. However, they do require maintenance to keep them running at peak efficiency. These are mostly simple tasks that you can do yourself, but you can also hire a pro to perform regular maintenance for you. Here are some tips on water heater maintenance, how you can keep your water heater working proficiently, and how often it will should be maintained.

Understanding Your Water Heater

Be sure to review the owner’s manual that came with your water heater. It usually spells out necessary maintenance tasks, as well as other important information, such as safety precautions and size specifications. When in doubt, refer to the manual. If you can’t find the manual, check the manufacturer’s website for instructions on obtaining a copy.

Consult a professional before attempting any maintenance tasks, and make sure that the water line and the power to the water heater are safely shut off before beginning.

Ongoing Maintenance

Keep the area around the water heater free of clutter. Gas heaters have vents at the bottom that must be kept clear to aid in the heating element combustion. Never store anything with flammable vapors, such as gasoline or paint thinner, near a gas water heater. Providing a clear space around the appliance makes it easy to get to the water shutoff in an emergency. It also gives repairmen room to work on the heater, should a service call be necessary.

Every Few Months

Drain some of the tank’s water to remove the sediment that collects on the bottom of the tank. All incoming water contains sediment that, over time, can hinder the performance of your water heater. The amount you need to drain will depend on the condition of the water.

1. Shut off the power. For electric heaters, shut the unit down completely. For gas heaters, move the control dial to “pilot”.
2. Turn off the cold water supply to the tank.
3. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank, and then run the hose to a drain.
4. Open a hot water faucet in a nearby sink and leave it open.
5. Open the water heater’s drain valve. Caution: Be careful. The water will be very hot.
6. Drain the tank until the water runs clear. This may take a few minutes or longer.Pro Tip: Plumbers will often turn the water on and off a few times to help stir up the sediment at the bottom of the tank.
7. Once the water is clear, close the drain valve and turn on the water supply. You’ll know the tank is full when water is flowing through the faucet you left open earlier.
8. When the tank is full, turn the power back on.

The frequency of this procedure will depend on the condition of your water. If the water is perfectly clear from the start, you probably don’t need to drain your tank often. If the water is very dirty, you may need to drain it more frequently.

Pressure relief valve and drain locations

Annually

Test the temperature/pressure-relief valve. It’s located near the top of the storage tank and should be attached to a long tube that extends almost to the bottom of the tank. The valve is designed to relieve pressure that builds up above acceptable levels inside the tank.

1. Place a small bucket under the extension tube.
2. Lift the valve up, and then push the lever back into position to close the valve. Caution: Stand back because hot water will be released from the valve.
3. If there is no release of pressure in the form of air and/or water, the valve may be defective. Consult a plumber to have it fixed.

Check to make sure the venting system is operating properly on your gas water heater. On top of the tank is a draft hood raised above the flue, which is located inside the tank. The hood should be attached to connectors that run to the chimney. If the flue is not drawing adequately, gases that should be going up the chimney could be lingering into the room.

1. Turn the temperature controls up so that the burner starts. Wait a few minutes to give the unit time to get going.
2. Place your fingers near the opening between the hood and the top of the tank. If you feel air brush across your fingers and up the draft hood, the flue is drawing properly, so you can reset the water to normal operating temperature.
3. If you don’t feel air, the flue may not be drawing.  Black soot around the top of the tank and the vent hood is also a sign that system is not venting properly. There could be a couple of reasons for the problem, including blockage in the chimney.  To be safe, shut down the unit and call in a professional to inspect the system.

Every Few Years

Check the anode rod, and replace it, if necessary.  The rod is usually made of aluminum, magnesium, zinc, or a combination of corrodible metals, and is suspended inside the tank. Its purpose is to attract any corrosive elements in the water. The theory is that any corrosion that attacks the rod will not attack the inside walls of the tank. Eventually, corrosion will get the best of the rod, and a new one must take its place.

1. Turn off the power to the water heater, and shut off the water.
2. Drain off 4 or 5 gallons of water through the drain valve. This will help prevent water splashing up on you as you remove the rod. It is not necessary to drain the entire tank.
3. Locate the rod. It’s often threaded to the top of the tank. You may see it right away, or you may need to consult your manual for its location.
4. To remove the rod, you will need a ratchet with a 1-1/16-inch socket. Have a helper hold the tank steady while you loosen the rod, and then carefully pull it out.
5. If there are sections of the rod missing, you should replace the rod. If necessary, cut the new rod to match the size of the old one. Apply some plumber’s tape to the threads of the new rod, and then carefully lower it into the tank and tighten it.
6. Turn the water on and wait for the tank to fill up again. Then, turn the power to the water heater back on.

Keeping your water heater running at optimal performance can save you from needing to replace the unit more often than necessary. Performing regular maintenance will ultimately help extend the life of your water heater, which should be a priority for all homeowners.

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8 Early Fall Home Maintenance Tips

It’s helpful to start prepping your home for fall before it actually arrives. Late summer is the ideal time to begin preparing for autumn and the rough weather to come. Use the following tips to get your home’s interior and exterior in tip-top shape for the cold season.

Interior:

#1 Home Safety

Before you close up your house and turn on the heat for the first time, you should make a point to check all of your safety devices to ensure that they work properly. Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure your fire extinguishers aren’t expired.

#2 Schedule Furnace Maintenance

Once the cold season strikes, your HVAC service is likely to be busy on service calls. Instead, schedule a furnace check in late August/early September to ensure that your furnace is functioning optimally. Late summer is the ideal time to catch small furnace problems before they cause large ― and expensive ― problems during a cold snap.

#3 Improve Insulation

With improved insulation in your attic and walls, you’ll be better able to prevent cold air from seeping into your interior. When cold drafts get into your home, they force your furnace to work overtime to heat your house. This leads to higher energy bills. Investing in insulation can help you save on energy costs.

#4 Ready Quilts and Blankets

Freshen up stored quilts and winter blankets during the late summer. Also, you might want to have your flannel sheets and pillowcases ready as well.

Exterior:

#1 Check for Cracks

Look for cracks in your home’s foundation and seal them properly to prevent cold drafts from getting inside. Cracks in your foundation or near windows also function as an entryway for unwanted critters like mice.

#2 Check Your Roof

It’s important to check your roof for problems before cold weather hits. Check for loose shingles and make any necessary repairs before the autumn storms arrive. Don’t forget to check your gutters while you’re on the roof. Although you’ll likely have to clean your gutters after the leaves have fallen, you can still remove any leaves, branches or nests in late summer to ensure optimum drainage.

#3 Reinforce Doors and Windows

Before the cold weather hits, set aside a day to replace your door and window screens with storm windows. You can also add weather stripping to doors and windows to help keep cool air from seeping inside.

#4 Trim Your Trees

If you notice any dead branches or decaying limbs on the trees of your property, you should call your landscaping service to have them removed. These limbs can become hazardous when loaded with ice and snow. They can also prove vulnerable to winds, so it’s best to remove them before they can fall on your house or vehicle.

Original article credit: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/8-early-fall-home-maintenance-tips-that-are-so-easy_us_57a4e438e4b0ccb02372396b

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2016 Rio Olympics + Home Inspections

The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio are in full swing and, believe it or not, home inspections can be related to the Olympics. The judges in the Olympics, at least. What we sit on our couches and watch is hundreds of talented individuals perform to win medals, entertain us, and be judged in their respective sport. What goes into that judging, though? We see a gymnast complete a triple back flip, a swimmer go back and forth in the pool twice, a cool dive in the sand during volleyball, but what actually factors into these people win gold, silver, or bronze medals? How did they still win, when their routine wasn’t perfect?

They’re being judged on so much more than how it looks to the audience; they’re being judged on stamina, speed, routine difficulty, execution, finish, time, form, performance – and those are just what I can think of off the top of my head.

Now, imagine that your home is the Olympian and myself – as the home inspector – is the judge. To start, you wouldn’t want just anyone to be the judge. This is why it’s important to hire a Certified Home Inspector. I’m sure Michael Phelps and Aly Raisman don’t want a burger flipper at McDonald’s determining whether they win gold or not. You have to have a judge that knows what they’re talking about – they have to understand everything that goes into what they’re judging. That’s how I am when I inspect your home – I have to know what I’m talking about and I have to understand what goes into your home systems so I can judge the Olympian – your home – properly.

Similar to the Olympian being judged on a plethora of different things, your home is also being judged on many, many things. It is my job as the judge to make sure that your home is judged fairly, despite some flaws that may be present. While no Olympian – or home – is perfect or can always execute everything perfectly, it is important to know that just because there was an extra step at the landing of that triple back flip, or your kitchen needs to be re-done, that it does not qualify that Olympian to be scored a zero, or mean your home will fail the inspection.

When selecting the judge for your future home, you have an advantage over Olympians – you can choose your judge. You can choose the person that will pay attention to every important aspect of how your home functions, you can choose the person that you can trust, and you can choose the person that won’t disqualify the biggest purchase you will ever make of your life over a minimal fix; you can choose Up Close Home Inspection.

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The Top 8 Reasons to Get a Home Security System

So, you’ve made the largest purchase you will most likely ever make. You have plenty of other valuables and items that you are going to store inside your home. In fact, you’ll probably keep almost everything that you own inside of your home. Why is it then, only 17% of homes in the USA have a security system installed?

Detroit, Michigan was the 7th top city for burglaries in 2011. Don’t fall victim to someone breaking into your home and stealing your belongings. What can you do? Arm your home with a security system. Here’s why you should:

1. Protects Valuables
   This is, of course, is the benefit most people immediately think of. We likely all know someone who has lost electronics, jewelry, or other high-value items due to a home invasion. The tragedy is compounded when the item is an irreplaceable family heirloom. A home security system has an alarm that scares off many would-be burglars and can notify the local authorities if someone does attempt a break-in.
2. Deters Crime
   A study found that, as the number of home security systems increased in an area, the number of residential robberies decreased in that area, even for people who didn’t have their own security system. Having a security system not only protects you, but helps your neighborhood be a safer place for everyone.
3. Allows Remote Access to Your Home
   Modern security systems now allow you to remotely monitor what’s happening in your home when you’re not there. Depending on your provider, you can monitor what happens via cameras installed throughout your home, as well as control the thermostat, door locks, lights, and other devices in your home.
4. Lowers Homeowner’s Insurance
   Yes, you may be paying a monthly fee for your security system, but having the system in your home can lower your homeowner’s insurance by up to 20%. That, combined with the other benefits, makes home security a pretty good deal.
5. Notifies You of Fire or Gas Problems
   You can opt to receive notifications if your smoke or carbon monoxide alarms go off when you’re away from home. Depending on the provider, you can even set it up so authorities are instantly notified of these emergencies.
6. Helps Keep Tabs on Kids
   This is another great aspect of home automation. If you’re at work, you can use your provider’s mobile app to watch what’s happening in your home via cameras, so you’ll know who your teens are inviting over when you’re away. If you have automatic door locks, you can even remotely unlock them to let the kids in after school, so they don’t have to worry about carrying (and potentially losing) a key to the house.
7. Improves Electricity Management
   Many security systems offer smart thermostats and outlets. If you’ve forgotten to change your thermostat before leaving on a trip, these gadgets allow you to control the thermostat on any web-enabled device. Likewise, if you think you left your curling iron plugged in, you can turn it off right from any of your devices. This works as a great tool to turn lights on and off while you’re on vacation to help give the home the appearance that someone is there.
8. Makes Room for Peace of Mind
   The sense of security and peace you gain with a home security system is perhaps the greatest benefit of all. Next to being safe, the confidence of feeling safe will help you be a more productive, healthy, and focused person. Adding a security system to your home gives you an extra layer of defense against any potential intruders. Whether you rent or own, you can enjoy the benefits that come with having a security system.

Some great systems that you can install into your home are Piper and Nest. They will work together to make sure you can control your alarm, thermostat and even outlets in case you forget to turn on your living room light. A great system you can install for the exterior of your home is Lorex.

Original article credits: https://www.climatepro.com/2014/06/17/know-the-statistics-about-burglary/    AND   https://www.safewise.com/blog/top-8-reasons-get-home-security-system/

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10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

This year Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, which means we’re lucky to have spring come early!

After a long, dark winter, spring’s bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air! The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year’s flower beds. Here’s a checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine!

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yard work easier.

Original article credit: https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/10-home-maintenance-tips-for-spring

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10 Things You Should Know About Mold

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7 Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday Entertaining

• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.  When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range.
• Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays, and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.
• Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children (preferably in a locked cabinet).
• Test your smoke alarms, and let guests know what your fire escape plan is.

• Poinsettias are known to be poisonous to humans and animals, so keep them well out of reach, or avoid having them.
• Keep decorations at least 6 inches above the child’s reach.
• Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and a curious child or pet may eat it. This can cause anything from mild distress to death.
• Keep any ribbons on gifts and tree ornaments shorter than 7 inches. A child could wrap a longer strand of ribbon around their neck and choke.
• Avoid mittens with strings for children. The string can get tangled around the child’s neck and cause them to choke. It is easier to replace a mitten than a child.
• Watch children and pets around space heaters or the fireplace. Do not leave a child or pet unattended.
• Store scissors and any sharp objects that you use to wrap presents out of your child’s reach.
• Inspect wrapped gifts for small decorations, such as candy canes, gingerbread men, and mistletoe berries, all of which are choking hazards.

Holiday Lighting

• Use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant and non-combustible materials.
• Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
• Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings, and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. If you have any questions about electrical safety, ask an InterNACHI inspector during your next scheduled inspection. Do not overload extension cords.
• Don’t mount lights in any way that can damage the cord’s wire insulation.  To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples–don’t use nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
• Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground-fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

• Use only non-combustible and flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel and artificial icicles of plastic and non-leaded metals.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp and breakable, and keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children.
• Avoid trimmings that resemble candy and food that may tempt a young child to put them in his mouth.

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “fire-resistant.”
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches, and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators and portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
• Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.
• Make sure the base is steady so the tree won’t tip over easily.

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
• Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten.
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Toys and Ornaments

• Purchase appropriate toys for the appropriate age. Some toys designed for older children might be dangerous for younger children.
• Electric toys should be UL/FM approved.
• Toys with sharp points, sharp edges, strings, cords, and parts small enough to be swallowed should not be given to small children.
• Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children and pets.

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Give the BEST Housewarming Gift!

Did your friend or family member just purchase a home and announce their housewarming party? Do you always have a hard time figuring out what to bring as your gift, so you default to a bottle of wine, or something that will go in a drawer and never be used?

Give the best housewarming gift that your other friends or family will be jealous of! My wife and I have given this gift several times (we even wished our friends would do this for us when we bought our home)! This gift is something that will continuously be used!

So… what is it???

A Home Depot paint bucket! This bucket can be used for many, many projects. Holders are sold that attach to the bucket to hold tools, it can be used as a seat, it can hold items for your project, etc.

Which leads me to the next part of the gift. Don’t just give the bucket! Fill it with stuff that the new homebuyer will need!

Some ideas that we fill this bucket with is:

– Lint Roller
– Staple medications that every household should have (allergy medication, ibuprofen, tums, etc.)
– Rubbing alcohol/hydrogen peroxide
– Cotton swabs
– Band-aids
– Hot/Cold pack
– Floss
– Hammer, Screwdriver
– Duct Tape

Often times when people buy a home, they forget about the essentials they will need in their new home. Stocking up their medicine cabinet and/or around-the-house tools they’ll need throughout the years would make your housewarming gift the most efficient and probably the most used! The best thing about this gift is that it is VERY cost efficient for you! You don’t have to break the bank to give your family or friends a great gift.

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8 Vital Tips for Every Metro Detroit Homebuyer

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a veteran homeowner downsizing or trading up, these valuable tips can help streamline your real estate transaction by making it go quicker and smoother, with the help of your InterNACHI-Certified Professional Inspector® .

1. Use a buyer’s real estate agent. The buyer’s agent has a fiduciary duty to their client, and works only for you— the Homebuyer—even if they are paid by the broker who listed the home for the seller.

2. Help your agent help you. Give your real estate agent as much information as possible. Your agent isn’t a mind-reader. Tell your agent what type of home you’re looking for, where you want to live, and how much you want to spend. Be honest with your agent.

3. Go home-shopping during the holidays. Home sellers who list their home for sale just before the holidays are likely desperate to sell. There are also fewer homebuyers to compete with during the holidays. If you want a really good deal, looking for a home during the holidays may be the best way to find one.

For the remaining VITAL tips, email me today!

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10 Steps to Clean Your House Fast

Most of us would love to have a nicely cleaned house all the time, with everything in its place. For most of us, this isn’t a reality, especially if you have little ones in your life!

And others of us who may have a little more control over our house (ie: the kids have moved out!) even then we would like a clean house, but don’t necessarily want to spend hours upon hours cleaning it. We have other things in our lives that are important to us that we want to spend time on besides cleaning.

Just as we talked about how we shouldn’t be productive just for the sake of being productive, we also should get better and better at cleaning, but not so we can just do more and more of it. We should get better at cleaning and get it done to the level that we are each comfortable with, so that we then my have time to move on to do the more important things in our lives (hobbies, creative work, family time).

To help you with this, I am going to give you 10 steps to clean your house fast. It won’t be perfect, and it is not a substitute for an occasional deep cleaning and decluttering. It will however, help you feel like you are getting somewhere and you wouldn’t be terribly embarrassed if someone came to the door. Keep this handy for those times when someone calls and says, “I was in the area and thought I’d drop buy, see you in 15-20 minutes?”

https://thestressedmom.com/2011/10/10-steps-to-clean-your-house-fast/

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