5 Home Maintenance Tasks You Might Be Forgetting

Owning a home comes with more responsibility than many people realize. It’s not only about appearance or comfort—ongoing care helps prevent costly repairs, extends the life of your systems, and protects your investment over time. Tasks like mowing the lawn or touching up paint are easy to remember thanks to their visual cues, but other important home maintenance tasks may go unnoticed until something breaks.

Ahead, we’ll cover five commonly overlooked but essential upkeep tips that can save you from expensive issues down the road.

1. Look for Hidden Leaks

Leaks don’t always announce themselves with the sound of dripping water. In many cases, slow leaks remain hidden behind walls, beneath cabinets, or along the foundation—causing mold growth, mildew, rot, and pest problems before you ever notice. Termites and carpenter ants, in particular, are drawn to moist environments created by undetected leaks.

Every month, walk through your home and inspect key areas. Look for discoloration on drywall, bubbling paint, soft flooring, musty odors, or pooling water around appliances and under sinks. Catching leaks early means faster fixes and much lower repair bills.

If you spot signs of water damage or suspect a hidden leak, don’t wait—call a licensed plumber to inspect and repair the issue before it leads to bigger structural problems.

2. Check the Foundation

The structural integrity of your home depends on a solid foundation. Poor drainage is one of the most common causes of foundation problems. Water that pools around the base of your house can lead to cracking, shifting, or sinking over time.

One of the most important home maintenance tasks you can perform is to verify proper drainage. You should see a minimum slope of six inches over ten feet away from the foundation. Also, look for cracks, especially around windows and doors, and inspect your slab or basement walls twice a year. If you notice any movement or widening gaps, call a professional for an evaluation.

3. Flush and Maintain Your Water Heater

When was the last time you flushed your water heater? If you’re asking, it’s probably overdue. Sediment buildup in your tank can reduce efficiency, shorten the life of the unit, and lead to rust or corrosion.

As a rule of thumb, how often should you flush your water heater? Once a year is the recommended minimum. Doing so improves heating performance and removes mineral deposits that strain the system. Don’t forget to also check the pressure relief valve and examine the area around the unit for signs of leaks. For many homeowners, scheduling this task with an expert is the simplest way to handle water heater maintenance duties without the risk of damage.

4. Inspect the Roof and Clean Gutters

Roofs are easy to ignore until there’s a problem. But ignoring small issues like cracked shingles or clogged gutters can lead to serious water intrusion, mold, and structural damage.

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year—more often if you have trees nearby. Blocked downspouts can back up water, causing rot around eaves and fascia. At the same time, walk around your home and look up for any missing or damaged shingles. Loose flashing, mold stains, or sagging areas may signal it’s time for repairs.

Roofs typically last 15 to 20 years depending on materials and climate conditions. If your roof is approaching that age or showing signs of wear, consider getting an inspection from a certified contractor. This kind of preventive home maintenance advice helps you plan ahead for replacements rather than dealing with leaks and water damage.

5. Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly

One of the easiest home maintenance tips also happens to be one of the most overlooked. HVAC filters trap dust, pollen, and airborne pollutants, but they don’t last forever. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forces your system to work harder, and compromises indoor air quality.

Change your filter every 90 days at a minimum. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, monthly changes might be necessary. Set a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar so you never forget. It’s a small investment that pays off in better performance and fewer repairs.

For a more complete picture of your indoor air quality and system efficiency, consider having your air ducts professionally tested and cleaned. Ductwork inspections can uncover hidden leaks, mold, or buildup that may be affecting your HVAC system’s performance.

Simplify Your Life With a Homeowner Maintenance Checklist

Trying to keep everything in your head is a recipe for missed tasks. Instead, build a homeowner maintenance checklist tailored to your home and lifestyle. List seasonal and monthly tasks like:

• Inspect the attic for moisture or pests
• Test smoke and CO detectors
• Clean dryer vents
• Drain outdoor faucets before winter
• Seal windows and doors

Regular reviews of your checklist help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks—and helps you catch problems before they become disasters.

Call in the Professionals When It Counts

Some home maintenance tasks are best handled by experienced technicians. Plumbing, HVAC, and water heater services often require specialized tools and training to do the job safely and correctly. Attempting DIY fixes in these areas can lead to more damage—and higher costs—down the line.

Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing has served homeowners across Central Texas for 75 years. Our licensed technicians provide prompt, reliable service for everything from preventive inspections to emergency repairs. We serve Austin, San Antonio, Temple, and New Braunfels with 24/7 availability and competitive pricing.

When your home needs expert care, make the call to Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’ll keep your systems running efficiently—so you don’t have to worry about what’s behind the walls.

Tags: Fix leaks, Home maintenance, Money-saving home maintenance