Quick Answer: Three important home maintenance checks are reviewing the roof and gutters, looking for plumbing leaks, and testing an existing sump pump. Check these areas during seasonal maintenance and after severe weather so you can address warning signs before water causes more damage.
1. Check the Roof and Gutters
Look at the roof from the ground for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Check whether gutters are sagging, blocked, or pulling away from the home. Downspouts should also be secure and direct water away from the foundation.
Inside, check ceilings and accessible attic areas for water stains, damp insulation, peeling paint, or musty odors. These signs do not always reveal where the water entered, so a roofer may need to locate the source. Do not climb onto the roof without proper training and safety equipment.
2. Look for Plumbing Leaks
Check under sinks, around toilets, near the water heater, and along visible pipes. Pay attention to moisture, corrosion, warped cabinets, soft flooring, stains, and musty smells. A change in water pressure or an unexplained increase in water use may also deserve attention.
If you find an active leak, turn off the nearest water valve and call a plumber. Water near outlets, wiring, or electrical equipment requires immediate caution. Do not use masking tape or other household products as a plumbing repair.
3. Test the Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, test it according to the manufacturer’s instructions before the wet season and after long periods without use. Keep the pit clear and watch for unusual sounds, slow operation, or water that is not being removed.
A battery backup may help the pump continue working during a power outage, but it must be compatible with the system. If your basement or crawl space has repeated water problems and no sump pump, have the source evaluated before deciding what type of drainage improvement is needed.
Plan Around East Central Indiana Weather
Seasonal rain, strong winds, freezing temperatures, and changing ground conditions can affect roofs, pipes, foundations, and drainage. Spring and fall are useful times to review these areas, but checks may also be needed after a storm, a freeze, or any new sign of moisture.
Routine maintenance focuses on known areas of the home. A professional home inspection provides a broader evaluation of visible and accessible systems and may identify conditions that need review by a roofer, plumber, electrician, or another qualified professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to perform home maintenance checks?
Spring and fall are practical times to check the roof, gutters, plumbing, and drainage. You should also look for changes after severe weather, freezing temperatures, or heavy rain.
What should I inspect after a severe storm?
From a safe location, check the roof, gutters, downspouts, ceilings, attic, basement, and crawl space for visible damage or moisture. Contact the appropriate professional if you find loose materials, active leaks, standing water, or electrical hazards.
Should a sump pump have a battery backup?
A battery backup can be helpful if the main pump loses power during a storm. Ask a qualified professional whether a backup is compatible with your pump and suitable for your home.
When should a water stain be professionally evaluated?
Have a stain evaluated if it is new, growing, damp, or accompanied by peeling paint, soft materials, or a musty smell. The visible stain may not be directly below the source of the leak.
Is routine maintenance the same as a home inspection?
No. Routine maintenance involves checking and caring for known parts of the home over time. A home inspection is a broader evaluation of visible and accessible systems under the inspection’s defined scope.
Schedule a Home Inspection
If you are buying a home or want a better understanding of its visible condition, Five Star Home Inspection Group can help. Inspections are led by Indiana-licensed home inspector Gary Bennett, who has more than 40 years of construction experience. Schedule an inspection in Muncie or East Central Indiana to learn more about the home’s roof, plumbing, drainage, and other major systems.