Owning a home is part of the American dream. It’s a place to raise a family, build memories, and put down roots. Still, for every joy of homeownership comes an equally impactful challenge. From mold and pests to electrical issues and plumbing disasters, home mishaps can wrack up a pretty penny and be even more costly in terms of stress and energy spent on addressing the problem.
If you’re hoping to avoid a home hazard, check out this list of the nine most common home problems you should know about.
Pests
Pests can be a real nuisance, whether mice in the kitchen or termites in the basement. While any pest infestation can become a nightmare, termites are particularly troublesome because of their appetite for wood. If left unchecked, termites can cause so much damage that they undermine the structural integrity of a home.
If you’re concerned about termite infestation in your home, you should call a termite exterminator to ensure the problem is promptly dealt with.
Leaking roof
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If water is dripping from your ceiling or walls, your roofing is likely leaking. While roof repairs are expensive, they can be avoided by having a professional roofer examine your roof at least once a year.
A professional like the ones at APEX Roofing can inspect your roof and determine if you’ll need a replacement, or notice signs of aging or damage, such as missing shingles, discoloration, or curling corners. In addition, you can prevent roof leaks by keeping trees and shrubs away from your roof, repairing roof damage as soon as possible, and ensuring your roof has proper ventilation.
Faulty thermostat
A faulty thermostat can prevent your home from reaching the desired temperature. While this may only seem like an inconvenience, it can increase energy bills and unnecessary carbon emissions.
If you’re experiencing issues with your thermostat, try replacing the batteries. If the problem persists, you may have a faulty thermostat.
Clogged drains
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Clogged drains are an annoying but common household problem. If you notice your pipes are backing up or water is rising in your sink, you likely have a clogged drain. Clogged drains can be caused by various materials, from food particles to hair.
While it may seem like a quick fix, plunging your gutters can be dangerous. It can cause chemicals, such as bleach, to back up into your pipes and cause damage. Before plunging your drain, run hot water down the drain to loosen the clog. Once you’ve loosened the clog, you can clear it out with a cable auger or plumbers snake.
Poor ventilation
Poor ventilation can cause health problems, damage your home’s structure and belongings, and even increase your energy bills. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that your home is adequately ventilated, especially during the warmer months.
If you’re experiencing issues with your ventilation, you can try adjusting your vents. You may also need to clean your ducts to remove debris and buildup.
Electrical problems
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If you’ve noticed flickering lights, a burning smell, or experienced a power outage in your home, you may have an electrical problem. Electrical problems can range from minor to severe, so it’s essential to have them inspected by a professional as soon as you notice them arise.
For example, if you notice that your lights flicker at irregular intervals, this could be caused by a loose connection. You can fix this by tightening the connection or replacing the socket.
Plumbing issues
A plumbing problem may be at fault if your sink, toilet, or shower has started to act up. You can quickly remedy plumbing issues, but they should be addressed as soon as possible. It’s essential to have your plumbing inspected by a professional at least once every few years.
To fix a plumbing issue, you’ll first need to identify the problem. If your sink is clogged, you can try using a plunger to clear the debris. If your toilet is clogged, you can try using a toilet auger to clear the blockage. If your shower isn’t draining correctly, you can try removing it with a wire snake.
Minor structural damage
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Minor structural damage can be caused by various factors, from pests to weather-related events. You can usually repair minor structural injuries quickly, but it’s essential to have them inspected by a professional to prevent further damage.
Mold problem
If you’ve noticed a musty smell in your home or discoloration on your walls and ceiling, it may be due to a mold problem. While mold can grow anywhere inside your home, it’s most likely to develop in warm, moist, poorly-ventilated areas, such as the bathroom or basement.
If you notice a mold problem, you should remove the source of moisture, such as leaky pipes or a clogged drain. You can also try to improve the ventilation in the affected area or call a professional to come and remove the mold for you.
Wrap up
If you notice any of these issues in your home, don’t wait to have them inspected by a professional. These problems can worsen over time and cause significant structural damage to your home. They can also pose a health risk to you and your family, so it’s vital to have them taken care of as soon as possible.
