Spring Maintenance Checklist

By Robert Robillard on Home Repairs And Remodeling

Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall and Spring cleaning are necessary to maintain a house and keep it in good condition.  No matter where you live, seasonal changes in temperature and moisture levels require special maintenance tasks. 
Here is a Spring maintenance checklist to help you:
  1. turn off outside water bibs and remove hoses (fall), open hose valves (spring)
  2. rake debris away from side of house and other structures – prevents rot
  3. clean out gutters and downspout elbows
  4. check gutters, downspouts, and roof penetrations for leaks
  5. treat wood gutters (spring or fall)
  6. check and repair caulk (if needed) around exterior surfaces (fall)
  7. note any cracks in foundation, brick or stucco
  8. hose off house exterior (spring)
  9. scrub mildew areas of house exterior and treat for mildew and fungus on decks (spring)
  10. clean gaps between deck boards above joists
  11. clean around air conditioner compressor, and condenser coils.  (often overlooked)
  12. trim any trees or shrubs that touch house
  13. inspect and replace weatherstripping, insulation.  (if needed)
  14. inspect and repair (if needed) screens
  15. inspect and clean (if needed) storm window weep holes
  16. clean out under decks and porches
  17. inspect and repair (if needed) glazing compound
  18. clean out basement window wells
  19. examine septic system drain field for flooding, odor; have tank pumped yearly

Monthly Check List

These are some monthly jobs that should be done to keep appliances and mechanical equipment working properly.

Doing so will likely extend the life and performance of each item.

  1. inspect and clean faucet aerators and shower heads
  2. clean frost-free refrigerator drain pan and coils
  3. inspect dishwasher for leaks
  4. clean kitchen exhaust fan filters
  5. grind ice cubes in disposer
  6. check and replace (if needed) heating system air filter
  7. drain 1-2 gallons of water [sediment] from water heater
  8. maintain drains with baking soda or hot water, not with chemical drain openers
  9. pour water down unused drains
  10. inspect visible foundation areas, pipes, vents and ducts

At least once a year, these items need to be checked. It’s important to properly check the fireplace and combustion appliances by fall, because the house is “sealed up” in the winter and not much fresh air enters in.

  1. clean and seal tile grout
  2. inspect plumbing shutoff valves
  3. inspect toilets for stability and tighten bolts or replace seal and bolts
  4. “exercise” circuit breakers
  5. vacuum smoke alarms 
  6. vacuum heating registers, vents, ducts, radiators
  7. inspect fireplace flues for “glassy” creosote buildup and have flues cleaned regularly
  8. inspect fireplace firebrick and mortar for cracks and deterioration, patch small cracks, but large ones require professional repair

Most heating system maintenance should be done twice a year, once before the heating season and once before the cooling season.

  1. general furnace inspection: look for rust, scaling on heat exchanger, proper flame color, note odd sounds or smells and check condition of venting
  2. test for proper drafting at furnace and/or water heater divert-er, examine flue for leaks, rust, damage
  3. examine pressure-temperature relief valve for leaking
  4. arrange for appropriate regular servicing and cleaning of combustion appliances.
  5. Change filters
  6. drain hot water system expansion tank
  7. check hot water system water level (pressure)
  8. bleed hot water system radiator
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

All posts by Robert »

Not what you're looking for?

Search for more articles here. Enter keywords like roof leak, bookcase, deck, etc to find your topic.

© Copyright 2019 A Concord Carpenter · All Rights Reserved