SAHBA Home Hints
June 7, 2009
Home Maintenance Quiz
It's the weekend and you have a list of household chores to do. Golfing, playing tennis or watching TV is more fun, but keeping your home in good shape is important. The National Association of Home Builders provided this home maintenance quiz to test your maintenance knowledge.
Q. How often do forced-air furnace filters need to be changed?
A. Every three months during the heating season.
Q. Should you run hot or cold water through garbage disposals?
A. Cold water.
Q. How often should the moving parts of garage doors be oiled?
A. Every three months.
Q. What tools can be used to unclog drains?
A. Plunger and plumber's snake.
Q. What tool can be used to unclog toilets?
A. Coil spring-steel auger.
Q. What faucet part needs to be cleaned every three to four months?
A. Aerator, screen inside the faucet.
Q. Where should the fire in the fireplace be built?
A. On the andirons or grate, never the fireplace floor.
Q. What will prevent soot and add color to a fire in the fireplace?
A. A handful of salt.
Q. Where should firewood be stored?
A. Outside, away from the house and not directly on the ground.
Q. Why should frozen pipes be thawed slowly?
A. To prevent the formation of steam and pipes bursting.
Q. How often should the roof be inspected?
A. Every three years by a qualified roofer.
Q. What should be regularly checked on security systems?
A. The alarms and circuit breakers to ensure they are working, and the sensors inspected one by one.
Q. To ensure safety, what household equipment uses batteries that must be checked regularly?
A. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Q. What fills nail holes and cracks in plaster walls and gypsum wallboard?
A. Spackling.
Q. At what temperature should the water heater be set?
A. 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. How often do skylights need to be inspected?
A. When the roof is inspected so leaks don't develop from cracks and interruptions around its seals, caulking and flashings.
While this quiz does not address every home maintenance project, it does provide helpful tips and reminders for chores you may have overlooked.
SAHBA represents about 700 member businesses serving the residential construction industry in Pima and Cochise counties.
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