February. Oh, what an unpredictable month!
You tease us with glimpses of Spring one week, and then WHAM – a blast of snow and icy weather. Even the daffodils and other early spring flowers sometimes get confused! So, what is a person to do to prepare for February and all its possibilities?
Each month the Sandi Reed Real Estate Group will provide you with a list to keep you on track with those essential home repairs. We want to remind you that maintaining your home well does not have to be overwhelming, but it does require some consistent attention.
February’s tasks will primarily involve interior projects. Some of these projects will only take a few minutes but can make a huge difference now and later.
#1 Check for Plumbing Leaks
Tiny leaks, if undetected, can cause big problems as time goes on. Often you won’t even know there is a leak until you see a wet or discoloration stain on a ceiling, floor or inside a kitchen or bath cabinet. Sometimes the leaks are obvious, and others require a little detective work. If you cannot determine the source of the leak – call a plumber!
Check each water supply line to sinks, toilets and (if possible) tubs. Dampness at the connection even without a puddle of water is your first indication. Run each faucet and look for leaks at the handles and faucet base.
Check the base of each toilet for moisture or staining. Also check for running toilets. If left unchecked over time, toilet leaks or running toilets can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
#2 Check out the Grout
Take a close look at the caulking and grout around your sinks, tubs and showers. There should be no gaps or damage, as that is where water can infiltrate and ultimately damage the wall behind. Add or repair as necessary to prevent unwanted water penetration now and in the future.
#3 Electrical Safety
If you live in a home built after the mid 70’s, chances are you have a GFCI outlet in your home. Ground-fault circuit-interrupters, or GFCIs, are special outlets installed indoors and out especially around water areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. They are designed to detect power surges or other imbalances to minimize the risk of shock to you and damage to appliances.
We take these outlets for granted but rarely check to see if they are working. Take a moment and reset each GFCI to make sure they are still operational. Any non-working GFCIs should be replaced.
Also take the time check any cords plugged into outlets. Frayed or damaged cords should be thrown away or replaced.
We hope these three quick tips make your home safer and more efficient this February. If you have any other questions regarding real estate in Lee’s Summit or anywhere in the greater Kansas City area, give me a call at 816-877-8732, or visit me at www.SandiReed.com. I am licensed in both Missouri and Kansas.
