I hope you and your family are doing well.
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend of mine. He was curious what the top three things are that a homeowner should be aware of that are usually overlooked, because they are out of sight (or out of mind).
Very quickly, I responded with the first two:
Wax rings under your toilets
Repiping your home
Wax Rings
If you are not aware, wax rings are what seals up the waste water, when you flush your toilet, flowing into the sewer line. The wax ring will dry and crack over time. This is an item that should be replaced every so often (every 4-10 years). Do not let this item go too long, because it can get very messy.
Repiping your home
Pipes deteriorate over time, especially inside a concrete foundation. Because we can’t see inside the pipes, we have no idea how thick the copper is or how long it will last. As a result, you do not want to replace something when you have no idea if you are throwing your money away, or actually doing something that will maintain your home, preventing a potential water damage claim when the pipes finally break and water comes pouring out.
If you have not repiped and your plumbing is older, 25+ years, please look into it.
The third item I came up with is making sure your exterior drainage pipes, around your yard, are clear. Roots can grow quite easily and will block the drains. Checking your drains on a regular basis (at a minimum every two years) will help cut back on the possibility of a backup/flooding in your yard. During the summer months and into the fall, is the best time of year to clear your drains, before the rainy season arrives.
These are a just few items for you to think about and consider maintaining while you still have some extra time at home.
