It’s perfect weather for pressure washing! While you have your pressure washer out, do your house, driveway, decks, patios and other exterior surfaces. You can do this annually so these surfaces look their best for outdoor fun and entertaining.  However, its something you need to do if you are planning other home improvements and repairs. Make sure you use a low pressure setting so as not to damage wood, siding and mortar.  Consumer reports tips and safety about pressure washing.

If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can rent one at most home improvement stores. However, if you aren’t comfortable handling one, hire a professional. If you are pressure washing your home to have it repainted, make sure the painter you use will pressure wash first. Pressure washing companies are available, along with experienced handyman. Concrete companies may also provide this service if you are updating or replacing concrete. Make sure you get reliable references for anyone you hire to work in and on your home.

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Clean and re-seal your tile grout to keep it looking great and prevent costly leaks and replacement. Read how expert Bob Vila does it by clicking here .

If you have cleaned your grout and are unhappy with the results, it may be time to replace the grout. Other indicators that your grout needs replacing are:

• Cracks in the grout
• Crumbling grout
• Grout pulling away from the tile
• Areas of missing grout
• Tiles coming loose
• Mold and mildew that won’t clean off

If you take care of and clean your tile grout regularly, you should only have to replace it every 12 to 15 years. Failure to care for the grout may lead to the need for replacement every eight to 10 years. If you need to replace your grout, you could consider doing it yourself. There are a number of expert videos on the internet that detail how to remove and replace grout. However, if you aren’t comfortable doing the job properly, you should call an expert.

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Cleaning household faucets and shower heads should be added to your annual cleaning schedule. Keeping these items clean will improve water quality and pressure.

Clean household faucet aerators by removing them and rinsing to remove grime and mineral deposits. Shower heads that don’t come apart can be soaked in place. First, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and pour it into a plastic bag. Secondly, put the plastic bag around the shower head immersing the holes in the liquid. Finally, secure the bag with a tie and leave it to soak. Once you have cleaned your faucets and shower heads, check all parts for leaks.  Be sure to replace washers, knobs, shower heads and faucets that are leaking.

Water leaks can cause major damage. As a result of annual maintenance, you could avoid costly repairs. You may find after cleaning that your faucets and shower heads leak or are still inefficient. This is typically the case when they are older. Replacing these items is fairly simple and cost effective. You may find that updated shower heads are more efficient at saving water while providing better pressure. Updating faucets can also go a long way to providing an updated appearance to your bathrooms and kitchen.

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