10 Ticking Time bombs in Your Home

Even the most responsible homeowners run into problems from time to time. After all, materials grow weak over time and the harsh elements of nature can lead to hidden damage that goes unnoticed until it is too late. By periodically checking on these potential problems, however, you can help bring an end to these ticking time bombs before they explode and cost thousands of dollars in damage.

Ticking Time Bomb #1: Cracks in the Foundation

Cracks in the foundation can occur from stress caused by the weather, tree roots and a number of other natural causes. To prevent problems, you should avoid planting trees next to your home and you should be sure your gutters are properly installed and cleaned on a regular basis. It is also a good idea to contact a foundation contractor to inspect the condition of your foundation every few years.

Ticking Time Bomb #2: Electrical Wires Not Up to Code

Depending upon how long you have lived in your home, your electrical system may not be up to the current standards. As such, your home may be at risk of an electrical fire. Therefore, it may be a good idea to hire an electrician to make sure your system is up to code and running properly.

Ticking Time Bomb #3: Faulty Plumbing System

A faulty plumbing system can cause a great deal of damage to your home, particularly if it springs a leak in a wall or under the house where it can’t be easily reached. Hiring a plumber to inspect your system will help prevent these problems from occurring.

Ticking Time Bomb #4: Old Furnace

An old furnace that is not properly maintained can stop working at any time, leaving your family in the cold in the middle of winter. In addition to changing the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, you should also have your furnace inspected by a qualified HVAC technician each fall.

Ticking Time Bomb #5: Eaten Away by Termites

Termites can cause extensive damage to a home before the homeowner ever realizes there is a problem. This is because termites typically stay hidden away in walls where they are never seen. You can keep termites at bay by storing wood away from your home and by keeping soil and other matter away from the bottom of your home. Period inspections from a termite inspector are also recommended.

Ticking Time Bomb #6: Leaking Roof

A leaking roof can suddenly collapse without notice, particularly during a heavy storm or in strong winds. You can help keep your roof in good shape by cleaning out your gutters, installing roof vents and clearing away snow and ice before it develops. You should also invest in periodic inspections so small repairs can be made before the problem gets bigger and more difficult to manage.

Ticking Time Bomb #7: Septic Tank

If your home has a septic tank, you can run into problems if you fail to maintain it properly or to get it pumped on a period basis. Furthermore, you should avoid planting trees near your septic tank, as the roots can become problematic. Some experts recommend getting the septic pumped every 3 to 5 years, but you may be able to go much longer before you need to get yours pumped.

Ticking Time Bomb #8: Overextended Breaker

If you have lived in your home for a very long time or if you attempted to do some of the electrical work yourself, you may have an overextended breaker providing juice to one of your appliances. If this is the case, you have a potential fire hazard on your hands. To ensure your system is safe and up to code, you should hire an electrician to check over your system.

Ticking Time Bomb #9: Dryer Lint

Many homeowners fail to realize that dryer lint gets caught in the exhaust tube that leads to the outside of the home. Not only does this prevent your clothes from drying properly, but it also forces your dryer to work harder and can become a fire hazard. To prevent this from happening, you should periodically check and clean the exhaust tube.

Ticking Time Bomb #10: Overgrown Trees

Overgrown trees can be a hazard to your family and your home, particularly if some of the branches have grown weak or have rotted out. If you have a tree with branches that are hanging over your home or other structures, that are hanging over wires or that appear to be weak, you should contact a tree removal service to get rid of the trees and branches before they cause damage to your property.