


1 Foundation



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2 Cabinet Base Under the Sink

"You'd be surprised how many sink base bottoms I replace each year," says Kris Rydmark, president of Minnetonka Handyman Co., in Minnetonka, Minn. Because homeowners use their sinks as frequently as 20 times a day, any leak can quickly cause water damage. Or if you knock over one of the many bottles of kitchen cleaner under there and don't realize it, that spill can also damage the cabinet.

Open the sink cabinet doors, turn on the water, and check for plumbing leaks. "If you notice a leak, you have to take care of it," Stakhiv says. "Even if it leaks just a little bit, you need to fix it right away." Tightening the connection usually fixes the problem, though you'll probably need to replace old, rusty pipes.

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3 The Yard, Driveway, and Patio—While It's Raining

The next time you're at home during a driving rainstorm, throw on that old raincoat and boots and take a stroll around the house. You'll be able to spot any potential drainage problems. "See where the water goes," Stakhiv says. "If you notice any pools, like close to the driveway or patio, it could wash away the soil."

Driveways are susceptible to the same water-related issues as your foundation; if soil washes away, empty spaces remain, leaving the concrete or asphalt vulnerable, especially under the weight of vehicles. "In three to five years [after noticing the puddles], you could see cracks in the driveway," Stakhiv says. Like you would with a shifting foundation, channel the water away from the driveway, sidewalk, or patio.

4 Gutters

We know some of you are dutifully checking your gutters yearly, but it's worth a reminder. Gutters clogged with leaves, twigs, or other debris won't drain properly. The water can spill over the top, or the weight of it can cause the gutters to sag and even leak. Take a peek inside the gutters to make sure they're not clogged or obstructed.

"The water running over the gutters can damage the paint on the soffits and fascia. The paint can become ruined very quickly," Stakhiv says. "Clean the gutter once a year or so, depending on the trees in your area."

Also, make sure the gutters haven't pulled away from the fascia. If they get weighted down with stagnant water, they can become loose, then the water running off the roof will leak between the gutter and fascia instead of going where it's supposed to—inside the gutter. While you're up there, look at any seams to make sure the caulking is still in place. If needed, use silicone caulk or gutter sealant to keep the seam from leaking.

5 Deck




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6 House Exterior




7 The Water Heater

Homeowners don't often think about their appliances until they break. But some need regular attention, such as the water heater. "Sediment gathers in the bottom of tank," Rydmark says. "Draining it lessens the sediment gathering in the bottom. Therefore you stretch the life of the water heater."

Draining it is fairly straightforward: Start by turning off the power or gas to the appliance and turning off the cold water supply that feeds in the water. Then attach a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank, turn the valve to open it, and direct the water into the drain, which should be located nearby. Turn the water back on for a minute or two to flush out any stubborn sediment remaining in the tank. Then close the drain valve, open the cold water supply to fill the water heater back up, and relight the pilot light or flip the power back on.

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