Our Spring Maintenance Checklist for Toronto Homeowners
Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time for some home maintenance. But there’s so much to do: where do you start?
We’ve created this handy spring maintenance checklist for Toronto homeowners so that you not only know where to start, but you get 100% ready for the rest of the year.
1. Have Your Sump Pump and Backwater Valve Checked
Sump pumps are crucial for homeowners with recurring wet basement issues or flooding, particularly if you live in an area that is prone to high water levels. If you don’t want a soggy basement and potentially thousands in repair costs, you should have your sump pump inspected by one of us to ensure it’s working properly.
Another great device for preventing flooding is a backwater valve. This prevents any hazardous wastewater from coming back up your main drain from the sewer system.
2. Inspect Foundation and Siding
It’s hard to make an up close and thorough inspection of the outside of your house when snow is piled up around it. Once the ground is clear and there’s no more temperatures below freezing, get up close and look at your foundation and siding for any cracks, damaged parging, or even mold. If you find anything, have it fixed right away.
3. Examine Your Roof for Loose Shingles
We’re not saying you should get up on the roof and start climbing around, but you should take some binoculars and do a visual survey of your roof to look for any broken, shifted, or missing shingles. If you see anything that looks amiss, have a roofing professional come in and take a closer look.
4. Check Your Fixtures for Leaks
The smallest leak could not only cost you a lot of money in wasted water, but it could cause serious damage to your home’s flooring, walls, and fixtures. Now is a perfect time to check all your faucets and taps for any puddles or drips and have them fixed.
5. Clean Your Gutters
We know it’s yucky, but the last thing you want in the rainy season is to have your gutters overflow with water. The water drips spills over right to the ground by your foundation, increase your risk of basement leaking.
When you go to clear your gutters, make sure you use an extension ladder situated away from power lines and higher than the gutter (that way you won’t be at the very top). You should also always have someone with you holding the ladder, and wear protective gloves.
It’s dirty work, but you’ll feel better knowing you avoided a much more expensive problem.
6. Make Sure Your Windows are Fully Sealed
If your windows aren’t properly sealed, your cool AC air will slip out, and the sticky-hot summer air will seep in, meaning your paying for almost nothing. Avoid any extra costs by inspecting the seals around your windows – and your doors, too!
7. Get a Thorough Plumbing Inspection and Cleaning
Your plumbing is important to your home’s health – so why not treat it to a checkup this spring? When you book an appointment with Trouble Shooters, we’ll complete a thorough inspection, recommend any repairs and maintenance, and perform the service on the spot if necessary. Your plumbing will be humming along like new by the time we’re done.
We also offer emergency services. If you’re experiencing a plumbing problem that can’t wait, contact us >
8. Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced
Spring is the best time to have your air conditioner serviced. You’ll find any potential operating problems before it gets hot, and you’ll beat the summer rush of service calls. When it’s warm enough for AC, you’ll be completely ready.
9. Start Your Seasonal Yard Work When The Ground is Dry
Winter leaves a lot of mess in its wake: fallen branches, sodden leaves that got left behind last fall, and more. Get the bulk of the yard clearing done once the ground has dried so you can get out your mower without worrying about debris on your lawn
We Can Help You Get Started!
It may seem like there’s a lot to do, but we can help with some of it! Make an appointment with Trouble Shooters today, and we’ll get started on your spring maintenance checklist for you.
