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- Squeaky door hinges: Apply some powdered graphite ($2.50 for a 3 gram tube) around the pin where the hinge turns.
- Loud floor boards: Use an anti-squeak repair kit such as Squeeeek No More ($23) or for a cheaper alternative, simply shake some talcum powder into the seam where the floorboards come together and the powder will quiet the floor by creating a buffer between the boards.
- Rusted shut-off valves: Look under sinks and behind toilets to see if the valves are rusted; if so, they may not work properly when you need them to. If they are rusty, spray some WD-40 on the handle shafts and twist the handles back and forth to let the oil soak in. If they won’t budge, spray some more WD-40 on and wait a couple of hours before trying again.
- Peeling paint on shower ceilings: Since this area sees a lot of heat and moisture it can really distress the paint. Scrape off the old paint and replace it with an exterior grade paint. Also, be sure that the bathroom fan is always running when the shower is being used to help get rid of excess moisture.
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: Replace the batteries in all of your detectors at the same time once a year.
- Exhaust filter in the stove: Remove the filter and wash it to remove the grease; this will make the exhaust vent more efficient and can help stop a stovetop fire from spreading.
- Dryer vent: Pull the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent pipe. Vacuum up any lint inside of the pipe and also remove lint from the spot where the pipe connects to the dryer. Clean any lint off of the exterior dryer vent as well. It’s very important to do this periodically; clogged dryer vents are one of the main causes of house fires.
- Drain hoses: Check the clothes washer, dishwasher, and ice maker. If any of the hoses are leaking or cracked, replace them to prevent future flooding.