Maintenance issues can be one of the major factors for why houses depreciate in price, or why people are having to spend a lot of money on their homes on top of the mortgages that they pay. There are a huge number of maintenance issues that can affect all types of houses, and if you do not identify these problems when they first begin, they could begin to have a serious effect on the structure of the property. Here, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most common maintenance issues, and how you can deal with them.
Damp
Damp is probably the most common maintenance issue that can affect any type of property no matter how old or new. There are three different types of damp that a property can be affected by and these are condensation, rising damp and penetrating damp. Damp can be extremely damaging to a property if left untreated, and while there are a number of signs that can give away the presence of damp, these may only appear in obvious places once the damp is already a major problem. This is why it is important to have a damp survey carried out on a property if you are looking to purchase it. If you own a property and you notice signs of damp, then you’re going to want to consider getting a damp survey to help prevent any further damage taking place and to remove any of the affected areas before the problem gets any worse.
Frozen Pipes
In cold winter months where temperatures begin to reach sub-zero, a common maintenance issue that many properties face is frozen pipes. This is generally a problem with older properties whose pipes are still made out of lead, and whose pipes actually have a leak in them. Frozen pipes can build up over time and the pressure can sometimes lead to a burst pipe which can have even bigger problems. In order to help prevent this, you should have your old lead pipes replaced to newer, safer and that are less prone to freezing. In addition to this, you can help stop frozen pipes by allowing heat to circulate under the sink by opening cupboards, or having a space heater to help thaw frozen pipes.
Toilet Tank Continuing To Run Water
This is an issue that generally a plumber will have to fix, but it is extremely important that this gets looked at as soon as possible as it can significantly rack up your water bill. You will know that your toilet tank is continuing to run by hearing the water after you have flushed the toilet, or even periodically throughout the day or night. If you have an unexpectedly high bill and you can hear the water running in your toilet, then you’re going to need to make sure that you call a plumber as soon as possible. This will help to ensure you are not paying unnecessary expenses for a common maintenance problem that is easily solved by a professional.