Essential DIY Home Maintenance Tips to Save Money and Prevent Emergency Repairs

Smart Homeowner’s Guide to Basic Maintenance

Every homeowner should know some basic maintenance tasks to keep their home’s vital systems running smoothly. Anderson Bros. Electric, Plumbing, & Heating, Inc. offers these professional tips to help you maintain your home’s essential systems and potentially avoid costly emergency repairs.

Plumbing Maintenance Tips

1. Learn to locate your main water shutoff valve
2. Keep basic plumbing tools handy
3. Regularly check under sinks for leaks
4. Clean drains monthly with natural solutions

Regular maintenance of your plumbing system can prevent many common issues. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down drains monthly to keep them flowing freely. Check exposed pipes seasonally for signs of condensation or small leaks.

Heating System Care

Your heating system requires regular attention to maintain peak efficiency:

1. Replace furnace filters every 1-3 months
2. Keep the area around your furnace clean
3. Listen for unusual sounds
4. Monitor your energy bills for sudden increases

One of the most important DIY tasks is regularly checking and replacing your furnace filter. A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently and can extend its lifespan significantly.

Preventive Electrical Maintenance

While most electrical work should be left to professionals, these safety checks are important:

1. Test GFCI outlets monthly
2. Check for warm or discolored switch plates
3. Listen for buzzing sounds from outlets
4. Keep an eye on circuit breaker activity

Winter Preparation Tips

Before cold weather arrives:

1. Insulate exposed pipes
2. Clean gutters thoroughly
3. Check window and door seals
4. Test your heating system early

It’s crucial to protect your water pipes from freezing during Nebraska’s cold winters. Proper insulation can prevent costly repairs and water damage.

When to Call Professionals

While DIY maintenance is important, know your limits. Contact Anderson Bros. when:

1. You smell gas
2. Electrical problems persist
3. Water pressure suddenly drops
4. Heating system stops working
5. You notice unusual sounds or smells

Remember, regular maintenance can prevent many common problems, but some tasks require professional expertise. Anderson Bros. serves communities throughout central Nebraska, including Gibbon, Grand Island, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, and Minden, with expert service when DIY isn’t enough.

By following these maintenance tips and knowing when to call for professional help, you can keep your home’s systems running efficiently and avoid unexpected repairs. Regular attention to these details will help protect your investment and ensure your comfort year-round.