All the Household Chores You Should Do in December
December brings increased use of certain appliances, and keeping the air warm is important during cold weather. Luckily, keeping your home running like a well-oiled machine and avoiding costly repairs can be easy if you perform basic maintenance. Here are all the home maintenance jobs you should do in December.
Check appliances connected to water
Appliances that use water usually have hoses for water suction and drainage. Over time, these hoses can fail due to regular wear and tear. Taking the time to check your dishwasher, washing machine and refrigerator hoses can help prevent costly leaks and avoid water damage. If you discover damage, turn off the power and water to the unit before replacing the hose to avoid the risk of electric shock or flooding.
Prevent ice dams
Ice dams can form in gutters or along the edges of your roof if weather conditions cause water to freeze before it can flow down the downspouts. To prevent ice dams from forming, clean your gutters and check your downspouts for blockages. To prevent ice dams in very cold climates, you can use heating cables to keep the edges of your roof warm. This will melt ice dams and protect your roof from damage that ice can cause. If you notice that you have a chronic problem with ice forming on your roof, you may need to install roof vents to prevent ice buildup in the long run.
Clean the chimney and fireplace
If you have a wood stove or fireplace, December is a good time to clean it. Creosote buildup inside the chimney can cause a fire, so regular cleaning is necessary to keep your fireplace safe. Hiring a professional chimney sweep to clean your chimney and perform a safety inspection is the best plan, but if you’re confident in your DIY skills, you may want to opt for a DIY chimney cleaning kit .
Insulate vulnerable pipes
If you have pipes running through a basement or unheated area, adding some insulation can help prevent the pipes from bursting. Other places that may be vulnerable in the event of a power outage are under sinks or in enclosed laundry rooms where heat from the rest of the home may not penetrate. You can use foam pipe insulation to cover exposed pipes and give them an extra layer of protection in freezing weather. You may also consider adding insulating foam to crawl spaces and under sinks for added protection.
Check your electrical outlets
Since you may still be hanging Christmas lights, checking your outlets can be part of that holiday chore. To make sure your outlets are working, you don’t have to do anything other than stick something in them and see if it turns on. To test GFCI receptacles, use the “test” button to ensure they turn off when the button is pressed, then reset them to normal use. While you’re at it, now is a good time to install protective covers if you have small children. If you find an outlet that is not working properly, you should turn off that outlet’s circuit breaker and call a professional to help you understand the problem. Electrical malfunction is a dangerous problem that should not be dealt with on your own.