Two types of home maintenance issues you should never ignore

2 December 2016
 Categories: , Blog


It can be hard to keep on top of your home maintenance 'to-do' list, especially when you have a lot of other personal and professional responsibilities. However, there are some maintenance issues that, if neglected for too long, can cause serious damage and end up costing you a small fortune in the form of higher utility bills and repair work. Here are two types of problems you should never ignore.

A clogged drain

A blocked-up kitchen sink or shower drain probably doesn't sound like a home maintenance issue that needs to be urgently addressed. However, if ignored for more than a few days, this seemingly harmless problem could cause extensive damage to your home. When a blockage of this kind occurs, it puts a great deal of pressure on plumbing pipes. This pressure can cause the piping to develop small cracks, through which water can then leak.

Even a small leak can have serious consequences; over time, it can lead to wall paint peeling, floorboards warping and the growth of mould. If the water reaches the foundation of the property, it can lead to large cracks developing in the walls and gaps forming in windows and doors. All of these problems will cost a lot of money to repair and may even affect the resale value of your property. As such, if you do notice a slow-flowing or completely blocked drain in your home, make sure to address the problem immediately. If you don't have the time or the skills required to do this type of work, it's worth hiring a plumber who offers routine maintenance plumbing services to do this job for you. Paying a small amount for their assistance now could save you thousands of dollars later down the line.

A dirty HVAC filter

Many homeowners forget to regularly change an HVAC system's air filter. However, a filter that is clogged up with dust particles, dirt and other air contaminants can cause a whole host of issues. It can, for example, reduce air flow and thus make the system run less efficiently. This, in turn, will raise your energy bills. If left unchanged for an extended period of time, a dirty filter can also permanently damage your HVAC system, shortening its lifespan significantly. Depending on the type of system you own, it could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to replace.

Last but not least, a neglected, dirt-filled filter can increase the amount of allergens, mould, dust mites and other contaminants present in the air in your home. This will obviously reduce the air quality and could make for an uncomfortable and unhealthy living environment for anyone who suffers from respiratory diseases or allergies.


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