Fall Reminders
Bathtubs, Sinks, and Showers

• Cracked caulking around bathtubs and sinks should be removed and replaced.
  
• Fill tub with water before caulking. Remember that more is not necessarily better when it comes to caulking.

Drains

• All plumbing fixtures have a J-shaped drain trap that provides a water barrier to prevent airborne bacteria and the odor of sewer gas from entering your home.
  
• Infrequently used fixtures should be turned on regularly to replace evaporated water in barrier.

Doors
Garage Doors

• Moving parts of garage doors should be greased every three months with a substance specially designed for garage doors.

Sticking

• If sticking is caused by swelling in damp weather, fold sandpaper around a wooden block and sand the edge that sticks.
  
• If hinge screws are loose, tighten them. If door is still out of alignment, sand or plane the edge that sticks.
  
• Always paint or varnish areas that have been sanded or planed.

Storm Doors

• Storm doors help reduce heating and cooling costs and provide a barrier from bad weather.

Warping

• Warping is usually caused by excessive moisture.
  
• If a door warps, the best remedy is to dry it in the sun.
  
• If door is still warped after being thoroughly dried, apply weights to bulged side and l et sit for 2-3 days.

Weatherstripping

• Weatherstripping must remain in place to prevent loss of conditioned air or infiltration of outside air.
  
• Metal weatherstripping may need to be re-nailed if it becomes loose, bent away from the edge of door, or it does not seal tightly when door is closed. Repair requires a pair of pliers or a hammer and the right nails.
  
• Rubber or plastic weatherstripping, retailing or re-gluing with strong, water–resistant household glue should bee all that is necessary. Do not use super glue!

Electrical Receptacles

• Test GFCI receptacles (electrical outlets with Reset buttons in center) monthly by pressing “test” button.

Faucets

• Cleaning the aerators will be your most frequent task in maintaining faucets. An aerator adds air to the water as it leaves the faucet and eliminates splashing. It also reduces water usage, thereby saving you money. Aerators are most common on kitchen and bathroom sinks.
  
• To clean an aerator; First make sure the drain is set, then unscrew it from the mouth of the faucet, remove any deposits, remove and rinse the washers and screens, replace them in their original order, and put the aerator back on the faucet.

Outside Faucets

• Remove the garden hose and store it for duration of cold weather.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Always keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris that could cause overflowing.
  
• Be sure that downspouts direct water away from foundation of home.

Insulation

• Do not compress insulation in attic. Compressed insulation is less effective.
  
• If insulation on attic floor is out of place, leaves gaps, or blocks path of ventilation, return insulation to proper location
  
• Be sure to wear gloves if you will be handling fiberglass insulation
  
• Attic access cover may have insulation attached to the topside. It should remain securely in place so less heat is lost through access hole.

Landscaping

• In fall of first year, rake lawn thoroughly, re-seed it, and add organic fertilizer or manure.
  
• Give special attention to bare spots.

Ranges, Ovens, and Broilers

• Filters in range hoods must be cleaned or changed periodically. For directions, see instruction manual.

Walls and Ceilings
Interior Plaster and Gypsum Wallboard

• Popped nails do not affect strength of wall. Repairs should be done when you redecorate room.
  
• At that time:
  1. Fill cracks with spackling compound using a spackling knife.
  2. Smooth out with fine sandpaper.
  3. Redecorate the entire surface.
  
• To prevent cracks wider than half an inch from reopening
  1. Apply spackling compound.
  2. Cover crack with a strip of fiberglass mesh.
  3. Cover mesh with thin layers of spackling compound.
  4. Feather edges well, and sand smooth.
  
• Unusual abrasions may scuff or indent the surface of walls. If this occurs…
  1. Fill indentation with 2-3 applications of joint compound used for drywall taping.
  2. Smudges or spots on interior stucco finish may be removed by rubbing with fine grade sandpaper (size 00).

Interior Paint and Wallpaper

• If paint starts to blister or peel, there may be an underlying problem. Touch up spot immediately to prevent spreading and look for cause.

Water Heaters

• Check Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve every 3-4 months to be sure the lever works properly. If thermostat fails to operate proper, this valve would prevent a dangerous increase in water temperature and pressure.

Windows

• When exchanging glass and screens in spring and autumn, be sure to clean them.