The Hidden Home Maintenance Tasks Most Homeowners Forget (Until It’s Too Late)

Most homeowners know the basics: change HVAC filters, clean gutters, test smoke alarms. But the biggest home problems rarely come from what you don’t know — they come from what you forget.

Small, hidden home maintenance tasks tend to slip through the cracks. And when they do, they often show up later as expensive repairs, insurance claims, or emergency calls at the worst possible time.

Here are some of the most commonly overlooked home maintenance tasks — and why staying ahead of them matters.

1. Water Shutoff Valves

You probably know where your main water shutoff is. But when was the last time you actually turned it?

Over time, shutoff valves can seize or corrode. When a pipe bursts and you need to act fast, a stuck valve can turn a small leak into a major flood.

What to do:

• Locate your main water shutoff and individual fixture shutoffs

• Turn them off and back on once a year

• Replace any valve that doesn’t turn smoothly

2. Dryer Vent Cleaning (Not Just the Lint Trap)

Cleaning the lint trap is good. Cleaning the entire dryer vent is better.

Lint buildup in the vent line restricts airflow, reduces dryer efficiency, and is a leading cause of house fires.

What to do:

• Clean the full dryer vent at least once a year

• More often if you do heavy laundry or have a long vent run

• Watch for signs like longer dry times or overheating

3. Sump Pump Testing (Before the Storm Hits)

Sump pumps tend to fail quietly — until the one night you actually need them.

If your pump hasn’t been tested recently, you’re gambling with basement flooding.

What to do:

• Pour water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates

• Check the discharge line for clogs or freezing

• Consider a battery backup if you don’t already have one

4. Bathroom Exhaust Fans (The Moisture You Can’t See)

Bathroom fans don’t just remove odors — they remove moisture that leads to mold, peeling paint, and wood rot.

When fans are clogged or vented improperly, humidity builds up where you can’t see it.

What to do:

• Clean fan covers and housings annually

• Make sure the fan vents outdoors, not into the attic

• Run the fan for 20–30 minutes after showers

5. Appliance Supply Lines (The Silent Leak Risk)

Washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers all rely on small water supply lines — and when they fail, they fail fast.

Old rubber hoses are especially prone to bursting.

What to do:

• Inspect supply lines once a year

• Replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel

• Shut off water when leaving town for extended periods

6. Attic Insulation & Ventilation Checks

You don’t need to climb into your attic every weekend — but ignoring it entirely is a mistake.

Poor insulation and ventilation lead to higher energy bills, ice dams, moisture buildup, and premature roof failure.

What to do:

• Look for compressed or uneven insulation

• Check for signs of moisture or mold

• Ensure soffit and ridge vents are unobstructed

7. Exterior Drainage and Grading

Water should always flow away from your home. When soil settles or gutters overflow, water finds its way back toward the foundation.

This is one of the most common causes of foundation issues.

What to do:

• Check grading around the foundation annually

• Extend downspouts at least 4–6 feet from the house

• Watch for pooling water after heavy rain

Why These Hidden Home Maintenance Tasks Get Missed

None of these tasks are complicated. They’re missed because:

• They aren’t visible day-to-day

• There’s no immediate feedback when you skip them

• Life gets busy

That’s exactly why proactive home maintenance matters.

Staying Ahead Instead of Catching Up

The cost of most home disasters isn’t the repair itself — it’s the surprise.

Tracking what needs attention, when it was last done, and what’s coming next is the difference between planned maintenance and costly emergency repairs.

House Health was built to help homeowners stay ahead of these forgotten tasks — before they turn into expensive problems. Because the best home repairs are the ones you never have to make.

Download House Health today at: www.HouseHealth.app