Repair & Improve

30 Minute Maintenance

Quick Tips to Keep Your Home Humming

Got a half hour?  Then you’ve got enough time to take on a few of the best things you can do for your Money Pit in less than 30 minutes. 

Caulk a tub:  Bathtubs are the closest thing in a home to a boat and that proximity to water wears on the caulk, which must be replaced.  Remove the old caulk, clean with a bleach solution and remember to fill the tub with water when you re-caulk. 

Drain water heater:  Water heaters can build up sediment on the boot that makes them less efficient.  To keep yours running at peak efficiency, use the tank’s drain value to carefully let a few gallons of water out of the tank every 6 months.

Bleed excess air from hot water radiators:  Turn your heat up and check each radiator in your home.  If you find one that is cold at the top, bleed the excess air from it using a bleeding key.  Open the bleed valve about a half of a turn until you hear air hissing out.  When the air stops hissing and water dribbles out, the air has been drained and the radiator should fully heat up.

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