However tidy and organized a home might look on the surface – and indeed might be for the most part – there often tends to be something lurking just out of sight. And these are usually largely harmless issues, such as a flickering porch light or a door handle that isn’t quite as solid as it once was. But sometimes, the hidden trouble spots in a home can end up causing the most stress, and costing the most, when they are left unchecked. Giving some attention to those hidden spots can stop problems from escalating and becoming a crisis.
Under the sink
In just about every home, the cupboard under the sink is a utility space that doesn’t enter our consideration unless we need to grab cleaning supplies, and even then it’s just for a few seconds.
It’s a good idea every once in a while to clear the space out and look for signs of moisture and corrosion – a slight musty smell or a discolored patch could be a sign of a slow leak. And while these little leaks may not seam urgent, over time they will lead to mold, which can spread – and they can also damage the cabinet. Calling out a plumbing professional to look into the source of the issue can let you nip it in the bud and save a much bigger repair. If you notice a general musty smell in the kitchen, under the sink is the first place to look.
The water heater
We rarely think about the water heater unless it stops working altogether. In truth, there will usually be clues that a breakdown is about to happen, usually in the form of sediment buildup, rust, and water pressure issues; intervening at this point can mean you don’t need to have the unpleasant experience of calling out a professional when you’ve only half-showered.
Check around the base of the heater for puddles and rust stains; a quick flush once a year or so – which can be DIYed – could extend the life of your water heater and keep nasty shocks at bay.
Attic airflow
If you’re not regularly venturing into the attic – like the majority of people who simply use it for deep storage – then you won’t be aware of how the airflow is up there. And this is an important thing to know about. An attic that is struggling for ventilation can end up with ice formations in winter and mold in the summer, as well as higher energy bills as the house struggles to stay temperate.
You don’t need to climb up there every week or even month, but a seasonal check as things move towards the more extreme ends of the thermometer can prevent issues from developing.
Your house, for the most part, will run smoothly without you needing to intervene too much or too often – but keeping an eye out in the spots that don’t get looked at every day can mean that you escape those problems that seem to develop out of the blue.