Are you making these home maintenance mistakes?

Mistake #1: Ignoring “minor” problems.

You notice that your sink has a tiny drip. Your toilet is running. Your roof has a few loose shingles. Or, your lights dim whenever you power up your new kitchen appliance. These issues aren’t really bothering anyone so they’re not a problem, right? Wrong.

These are all signs that you might need a repair. Letting a small problem go for a while leads to calling an emergency plumber, roofer or another professional to handle a bigger problem. Not only does this mean spending more money, but it also causes damage to your home that could require a full replacement. Plus, some emergency professionals might charge higher rates if you need them to visit ASAP. 

Related: How much does an emergency plumber cost?

Mistake #2: Forgetting to winterize your property.

You should be winterizing your property in the fall and (early) winter months every year, both inside and outside. Start by insulating your pipes and water heater. Next, put away your hose and protect your spigot with a foam insulation box. 

And don’t forget to drain your sprinklers if you have an in-ground sprinkler system. This mistake can be incredibly costly when you realize your sprinklers aren’t working in the spring because a pipe burst over the winter months. You’ll not only have to have your pipes replaced — but your yard will need to be dug up to find the problem pipe.

Related: How much does pipe repair cost?

Mistake #3: Trimming your trees at the wrong time.

Trees are a significant part of your landscape. They provide shade in the summer and act as a windbreak. Unfortunately, they are also an expensive investment. And ignoring your trees could set you up for an expensive problem. 

There are a few times throughout the year when you should trim your trees: 

1. When your trees are dormant (usually, during the winter for many species). This will help ensure your tree will blossom and thrive in the spring.
2. When your tree branches are dying and decayed. This will help prevent branches from breaking off and falling on your roof, car, shed, fence and other structures on your property. 

Related: How much does tree trimming cost?

Mistake #4: Giving pests easy entry into your home.

Your home is your sanctuary, not a sanctuary for critters. Calling in a pest professional for termites, raccoons or any other creepy crawlies can be expensive. Plus, you may need to call in other professionals, like a carpenter, to replace wood in your home that's been destroyed by termites.Letting pests inside your home can also harm your health, as some carry diseases. 

It’s essential to regularly examine your house for any cracks, crevices, ripped screens, chimneys and other areas where mice, rats, cockroaches and pests can enter and repair these areas. You should also prevent attracting termites by keeping firewood and mulch away from your home's exterior, sealing cracks around your plumbing lines and foundation, maintaining a moisture-free foundation and routinely checking your wooden surfaces for signs of termites.

Related: How much does termite treatment cost?

Mistake #5: Not tightening your plumbing.

Your plumbing is often something you don’t pay too much attention to until something goes wrong. But it’s a good idea to regularly check your plumbing to ensure that nothing is coming loose. Common problem areas include your appliances that use water, such as a dishwasher. Check these connections and make sure nothing is loose as part of your regular monthly maintenance routine. This can help prevent flooding and water damage. 

Related: How much do plumbers charge near you?

Mistake #6: Refusing to upgrade older appliances.

Some homeowners overlook their older appliances. If you’re having to repair your appliances more often than not, it may be time for an upgrade. Plus, that old dryer, dishwasher or washing machine is probably using more energy than the newer, more energy-efficient models. Stop wasting money, water and your time with your old appliances, and consider getting an upgrade.  

Related: How much do appliance repairs cost?

Mistake #7: Using a power washer when you shouldn’t.

Washing away the dirt and grime that has accumulated on your siding, fence, garage door and deck is so satisfying. Some videos online show you just how well a fancy power washer can clean. But proceed with caution — you can damage your home if you use a power washer incorrectly or apply too much pressure on loose or softer surfaces. If you don’t know how to use a power washer, consider hiring a professional.

Related: How much does pressure washing cost?

Mistake #8: Turning to drain cleaners too often.

Has your sink been acting up so often that you’ve stocked up on drain cleaners? Unfortunately, turning to chemical solutions for a severely clogged sink might be causing more issues. For one, sometimes drain cleaners will push a clog down instead of completely removing it — which means it’ll be difficult for a professional to eventually remove the clog from your pipes. 

Also, the chemicals in some cleaners may actually corrode and damage your pipes to the point where you’ll need a professional to repair or replace them. And that can get very expensive. Save yourself the effort, time and money by calling a plumber to fix your clogged pipes. It’s much more affordable to have a professional unclog your pipes rather than replace them.

Related: How much does pipe replacement cost?

Mistake #9: Doing your own home demolition.

Want to give your home a more open concept? It’s almost always a bad idea to handle this on your own. Let's say you decide to demo a wall that’s load-bearing. This will damage your home significantly, and make it unsafe for you to live there. Another complication:  you likely have plumbing, electrical and HVAC components in the areas you want to demo. For big, complicated home projects, leave it to the pros. 

Related: When to skip DIY and hire a pro instead.

Mistake #10: Not having the right tools.

Ever go to complete a project and realize: you don’t have the right tools? It can be frustrating, and in some cases, lead you to do the tasks you’ve set out to do improperly. For instance, if you try to cut tile without a tile saw, you might end up breaking your tools. And, you could damage your tiles — which means you have to buy more tiles to replace the ones you can’t use. 

If you don’t want to purchase the right tools, you can consider renting them from a nearby retailer or calling in professionals. A professional will have the correct tools and the expertise to get the job done right the first time.

Mistake #11: Setting your water heater temperature too high.

Take a look at the temperature setting on your water heater. If it’s set to the maximum temperature (usually 140 degrees) you could be wasting “$36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses,” according to the Department of Energy. On the flip side, you could save $400 by using water at a lower temperature. Turn down the setting to 120 degrees or below to create a more energy-efficient home — and save more money every year.

Mistake #12: Ignoring your gutters.

Most homeowners know that it’s crucial to maintain your roof with regular inspections and maintenance, but your gutters often go overlooked. They provide an essential service by funneling water away from the sides of your home and your foundation. Clean them regularly, and make sure they're secure to help protect your home from water damage and foundation issues down the line.  

Related: How much does professional gutter cleaning cost?

Mistake #13: Not knowing where your water shut-off valves are located.

When you have a water leak in your home, every second counts. The longer it takes to turn off the water means that much more has poured onto your furniture, electronics and floors. Locating the different water shut-off valves quickly can make a massive difference in the amount of clean-up you’ll need to do — and how much you’ll have to spend to repair the damage. In most homes, you’ll have a main shut-off valve around your home’s perimeter where the water comes into your home. Check the basement, crawlspace, garage and near you water heater.

Mistake #14: Forgetting to replace your HVAC filters.

Your HVAC system is like the lungs of your home, and its filters are vital to the system’s health. If you have dirty filters, your HVAC system has to work harder. An HVAC system that’s working overtime to keep up with your heating and cooling demands can break down, requiring repairs or even a costly replacement. That’s thousands of dollars down the drain. 

Plus, a dirty filter will result in more dust, dirt and debris going into your ductwork and flying throughout your home. For individuals with respiratory health issues, this can exacerbate their condition. Do yourself (and your HVAC) a favor, and replace your air filters every three months or so.  

Related: How much does AC service cost?

Mistake #15: Neglecting your dryer vents.

Cleaning your dryer vents is vital to preventing a fire in your home. If you notice that your clothes aren’t getting dry after a cycle, there’s a good chance you may need to clean out your dryer vent. You can use inexpensive tools to vacuum the dryer vent inside of your dryer and the hose that lets the hot air exhaust out of your home. Or, you can hire a professional to take care of this task for you.

Related: How much does dryer vent cleaning cost?

Mistake #16: Slacking on lawn care during the fall and winter.

Sometimes, homeowners assume that their lawns and plants only need attention during the warmer months, but that’s not true. Your lawn needs special attention during the colder months in order to thrive in springtime. During the fall, focus on mulching, aerating and fertilizing your lawn. When winter comes, continue to water until the first freeze, cut your grass a bit shorter (around 2-2.5 inches) and prune your plants.

Related: How much do lawn care services cost?

Mistake #17: Not resealing counters, tiles, grout and other surfaces.

If you’ve installed new tile floors or a granite countertop, you know how expensive it can be. Avoid wasting money on a big repair (or replacement) by sealing your surfaces as needed. Sealing can help protect your surfaces from various issues such as water damage, mold growth, warping, sun damage and more. In short, applying a sealant can help your counters, flooring, driveway, patio, fences and decks last longer.

Generally, you can seal your grout once or twice a year. For everything else (concrete driveways, granite counters, wood fences, etc.), follow your manufacturer’s recommendations. Usually, you’ll need to seal your surfaces once a year or every couple of years, depending on the material and its condition.

Mistake #18: Skipping the deep cleaning.

Sure, you clean and mop your floors regularly, do the dishes daily and dust on occasion. But when’s the last time you deep cleaned your home? You know, scrubbed the grease off your oven, washed your windows, vacuumed your upholstery, cleaned behind your appliances and dusted your baseboards? 

A deep cleaning isn’t just about keeping your home clean — it involves scrubbing and sanitizing your home to eliminate germs, dirt and grime. Deep cleaning can help you maintain a healthy and long-lasting home. 

Related: How much is house cleaning near you?

Mistake #19: Biting off more than you can chew.

DIY projects are a trendy topic these days. Most people would like to handle home projects like installing a new floor or fixing that leaking sink. Unfortunately, some homeowners make the mistake of starting to work on a task they’re not equipped or trained to do. This can result in the project being more expensive than if they hired a professional in the first place.

Related: When to hire a pro vs. DIY.

Mistake #20: Not using a maintenance checklist. 

Maintaining your home takes time and energy, but you can make it easier by doing one simple task. Create a checklist that’s broken down by month, season and year. Write down the important tasks you need to complete each season, and include local professionals' contact information for any projects you’re not equipped to do.  

Related: Here's your seasonal home maintenance checklist.

Find maintenance pros on Thumbtack.

Are you guilty of any of these maintenance mistakes? Often, knowing what maintenance is required, when it’s needed and whether or not it’s on your skill level can help you avoid these costly maintenance mistakes. When you need help in your home, you can turn to Thumbtack for pro assistance.

Download the Thumbtack app today to connect with experienced professionals in your area.