10 Home Maintenance Tips Everyone Forgets (But Really Shouldn’t)

Owning a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make — and like any investment, it needs consistent care.

Most homeowners remember the obvious tasks: mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, shoveling the driveway. But it’s the small, overlooked maintenance items that often lead to costly repairs — foundation cracks, water damage, mold issues, or premature appliance failure.

In Ontario especially, where we deal with freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, humidity, and hard water, preventative maintenance isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Here are 10 commonly forgotten home maintenance tasks that protect your home’s value, improve efficiency, and prevent expensive surprises.

1. Clean Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Bathroom fans remove moisture from showers and baths. When they’re clogged with dust, they can’t do their job properly — which leads to excess humidity, peeling paint, and even mold.

How often? Every 6 months
Why it matters in Ontario: Humid summers + tightly sealed winter homes = trapped moisture.

Remove the cover and vacuum the fan housing to keep air flowing properly.

2. Flush Your Hot Water Tank

Southern Ontario is known for hard water. Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of your hot water tank, reducing efficiency and shortening its lifespan.

How often? Once per year
Benefits:

• Improves energy efficiency

• Extends tank life

• Reduces noise

• Helps lower utility costs

This simple task can add years to your water heater.

3. Check (and Upgrade) Washing Machine Hoses

Rubber washing machine hoses are one of the most common causes of interior flooding.

They crack and bulge quietly — and often burst without warning.

Tip: Replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel hoses every 3–5 years.

A $40 upgrade can prevent thousands in water damage.

4. Test Your Sump Pump

Many homeowners don’t think about their sump pump until there’s a heavy rainstorm.

With Ontario’s spring melts and summer downpours, this small device protects your entire basement.

How to test it:
Pour a bucket of water into the pit. If it doesn’t activate immediately, it needs servicing.

5. Lubricate Garage Door Components

Your garage door is likely the largest moving object in your home — and one of the most used.

Dry rollers and hinges strain the opener and can lead to premature failure.

Use a silicone-based lubricant on:

• Rollers

• Hinges

• Tracks

• Springs (lightly)

Do this once or twice per year.

6. Vacuum Refrigerator Coils

When dust builds up behind your fridge, it forces the appliance to work harder.

Result:

• Higher energy bills

• Reduced lifespan

• Risk of overheating

Pull the fridge out and vacuum the coils once a year.

7. Inspect and Repair Exterior Caulking

Caulking around windows, doors, and tubs breaks down over time.

Cracks allow:

• Water intrusion

• Drafts

• Increased heating costs

• Rot and mold

In Ontario’s freeze-thaw climate, even small cracks can expand quickly.

Inspect caulking each fall and reapply as needed before winter.

8. Check Exterior Grading Around the Foundation

Walk around your home and make sure the soil slopes away from your foundation.

Over time, soil settles and creates low spots where water pools.

Poor grading can lead to:

• Basement leaks

• Foundation cracks

• Mold growth

Even a slight slope adjustment can prevent major structural issues.

9. Clean the Dryer Vent (Not Just the Lint Trap)

Cleaning the lint trap is good — but lint builds up inside the vent line too.

A clogged dryer vent:

• Reduces efficiency

• Increases fire risk

• Raises energy costs

Have it professionally cleaned or use a vent brush kit annually.

10. Exercise Your Water Shut-Off Valves

Most homeowners don’t realize their shut-off valves are seized… until there’s a leak.

Turn each valve gently on and off once a year to keep them functional.

In an emergency, working shut-offs can prevent major damage.

Seasonal Home Maintenance Overview

Breaking tasks down by season makes them easier to manage:

Spring

• Test sump pump

• Inspect grading

• Check exterior caulking

• Clean bathroom fans

Summer

• Lubricate garage door

• Clean dryer vent

• Vacuum fridge coils

Fall

• Flush hot water tank

• Seal gaps and cracks

• Check weather stripping

Winter

• Exercise shut-off valves

• Monitor attic condensation

• Watch for ice buildup near foundation

Why Preventative Maintenance Protects Resale Value

If you’re ever planning to sell, buyers notice signs of neglect quickly:

• Water staining

• Musty smells

• Drafty windows

• Aging appliances

Small maintenance issues signal bigger potential problems in a buyer’s mind — which can affect offers and negotiations.

A well-maintained home:

• Shows pride of ownership

• Reduces inspection surprises

• Commands stronger resale value

• Sells faster in competitive markets

Think of maintenance as protecting both your comfort and your equity.