Test the sump pump
Sump pump
Pour a bucket of water in the pit and confirm it kicks on. Simple and vital.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
A dead pump during a storm means a flooded basement overnight.
How & when to do itMay home maintenance checklist
Late spring — prep cooling systems before the heat arrives. Here are the tasks worth doing in May — sorted so you start with what matters most.
Clear the HVAC condensate drain line
Heating & cooling (HVAC)
Your AC pulls humidity from the air and drains it away; algae and sludge clog that line over time.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $20
- Time
- 20 min
A backed-up drain overflows the pan and leaks water into ceilings and walls.
How & when to do itProfessional HVAC tune-up
Heating & cooling (HVAC)
An annual tune-up catches small failures before peak summer/winter load.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- Hire a pro
- Cost
- $80–$200
- Time
- 1.5 hr
A mid-heatwave breakdown when every tech is booked.
How & when to do itVisual roof inspection
Roof & gutters
Spotting a few lifted shingles early prevents slow, hidden leaks.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $250
- Time
- 30 min
A small leak can rot the deck and ruin insulation before you ever see a stain.
How & when to do itTest well water quality
Well water
Annual tests catch bacteria, nitrates, and changes you can't taste.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- $20–$150
- Time
- 30 min
Contaminated water can go unnoticed until someone gets sick.
How & when to do itClean the AC condenser coils
Heating & cooling (HVAC)
Dirty outdoor coils can't shed heat, so the system runs longer and works harder to cool.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $100
- Time
- 45 min
Reduced efficiency, higher bills, and early compressor wear in peak heat.
How & when to do itTest the sump pump backup battery
Sump pump
Storms that flood basements often knock out power too; a backup battery keeps the pump running.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $200
- Time
- 30 min
A power outage during a storm leaves the main pump dead exactly when you need it.
How & when to do itCheck the well pressure tank
Well water
A waterlogged pressure tank makes the pump cycle constantly, wearing it out fast.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $100
- Time
- 30 min
Short-cycling burns out an expensive well pump years before its time.
How & when to do itTest the irrigation backflow preventer
Lawn & irrigation
The backflow preventer keeps irrigation water from siphoning back into your drinking supply.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $100
- Time
- 30 min
A failed preventer can contaminate household water; many areas require testing.
How & when to do itCheck soil grading slopes away from foundation
Exterior & siding
Ground should slope away from the house so rain doesn't pool at the foundation.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $100
- Time
- 30 min
Water pooling at the foundation is a top cause of basement leaks.
How & when to do itWash siding and exterior surfaces
Exterior & siding
Removing dirt, mildew, and algae protects finishes and keeps siding from degrading early.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $150
- Time
- 2 hr
Built-up grime and mildew shorten the life of paint and siding.
How & when to do itSpring start-up and sprinkler head check
Lawn & irrigation
Slowly recharging the system and checking each head catches winter damage and misaligned spray.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $80
- Time
- 1 hr
Broken heads waste water and leave dry or flooded spots all season.
How & when to do itExtend downspouts away from the foundation
Roof & gutters
Downspouts should dump water at least several feet from the house, not at the foundation.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $10–$50
- Time
- 30 min
Water pooling at the base of the home is a top cause of basement leaks and settling.
How & when to do it