Daylight Savings Home Maintenance Checklist

This Sunday, November 6^th at 2 AM, the clocks will fall back. Historically, on the first Sunday of November, daylight savings means it will soon be dark by 5 PM. Originally created to save energy, (since proven false) daylight savings originally dates to World War I. But setting back the clocks isn’t the only task that needs to be done on Sunday. Here are a few home maintenance checks that should be done twice a year, or for convenience, each time there is a time change.

• Check or change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Temperatures will continue to drop, it’s a good time to disconnect the hose from the outside spigot.
• Clean up the area around your hot water heater. Most heaters come with air filters that can get clogged when surrounded by excess dirt or dust. This can reduce the effectiveness of the water heater or even put out the pilot light, leaving you and your family with no hot water.
• Flush out your water heater by hooking a hose to the bottom of the tank and running it into the floor drain. This will clear any sediment from the tank and assure the floor drain is functioning.
• Check all toilets and faucets for leaks.
• Clear out any debris from your gutters and downspouts.
• Check your washing machine hoses. If it is a black, rubber hose, it should be replaced with a flexible stainless steel hose
• Check your sump pump! Before you know it, rain and snow will be having your sump pump working overtime. Make sure it is working before you need it. This can be done by dumping a couple buckets of water into the pit. Once covered, if the pump does not kick in check the electrical connection as well as the breaker. Any pump over ten years old should be serviced though we suggest you replace it. New pumps can be paired with a mobile application that can alert homeowners if something goes wrong. This is also a good time to consider a battery back-up pump in case your home loses power.

If you come across any red flags during this homeowner checklist, don’t panic! Simply contact JTM Plumbing Service for honest service and affordable prices. Give us a call at (402) 203-6193 or visit our website. Awarded an “A+” by the Better Business Bureau and a “Super Service Award” by Angie’s List, trust JTM with all of your plumbing needs.