Category: Maintenance

Home maintenance

Most homeowner insurance policies will only cover damage caused by unforeseen events and regard home maintenance as the responsibility of the home-owner, thus any claims determined as a result of poor maintenance or neglect are most likely to be rejected.

Proper home maintenance also ensures the safety of all who are living in the household so it really should be a priority for all home-owners.

Roof

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home as it protects you, your belongings and the structure of the building, from damage due to rain, wind and more. It is very important to regularly check the roof of your home for any leaks. Look around for any water spots, standing water or mould. Dampness on ceilings or walls can signal leaks that are just getting started.

Gutters

Clean gutters and drain pipes to avoid leaves and other debris from clogging them up. Ensure that the water is draining away from the house. Clogged gutters can cause water to spill onto your roof which will result in rotting and leaks. Make sure to check your gutters at least twice a year during spring and autumn.

Fireplace

Along with the pleasure of having a fireplace, comes the responsibility of maintaining it properly. Check the chimney for loose or missing mortar and make sure the damper closes tightly. It is also advisable to have the chimney cleaned professionally at least once a year if you use the fireplace regularly.

Safety equipment

In the interest of the safety of those living in your home, it is crucial that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Check and replace batteries in safety devices if needed, or at least twice a year.

Air conditioners

In order to prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner, it should be undercover. It is vital to clean or replace the filter of the air conditioner at least once a month.

Taps

Always check for leaky taps located in kitchens and bathrooms. If the taps are leaking from the spout it is most likely that the washers need replacing. Bear in mind that when working on leaking taps it is critical to ensure that the water supply is cut to avoid unnecessary water damage and flooding.

Geyser

Draining the geyser to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank is important. Although this can be done as a DIY project it is advised that the expertise of a plumber is used. By using a plumber he may timeously replace the anode and clean the geyser valve.

Windows and doors

Windows and exterior doors are subject to the wear and tear due to constant use and exposure to weather conditions. Over time the door and frame materials can deteriorate and fail. Sealing drafty doors and windows by replacing the seals not only keep the cold of winter outside, but it could add to the resale value.

Walls and paint

Check for cracks and holes in the walls and paint of your home. Crack and holes will cause a leak. Where needed patch cracks and holes to avoid water and mould of seeping into crevices.

The current economic turmoil, coupled with the rising cost of living, has meant that many South African homeowners are simply not prioritising their home maintenance. However, it less costly to maintain your home and if you start this process at the first sight of deterioration. Spending a little bit now can mean saving a lot in the long run.

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Heat Pump Maintenance

inspecting heat pump water heating and maintenance

Heat Pump Maintenance in South Africa: A Homeowner’s Guide

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to heat water, often replacing traditional geysers or being employed as hybrid electric water heaters. In South Africa, they’re commonly used not only for household water heating but also for warming swimming pools, making them a versatile and eco-friendly solution, especially in South Africa’s varied climate. Whether you’re in Gauteng’s highveld or the coastal humidity of Durban, regular maintenance is key to ensuring your heat pump runs efficiently and lasts for years. Here’s what to inspect to keep yours in top shape.

🌡️ Clean the Air Filters and Coils

Dust, pollen, and debris can clog your heat pump’s air filters and coils, reducing efficiency and airflow. Clean or replace filters every 1–3 months, especially in areas with high dust levels or during high pollen seasons. Use a soft brush or vacuum to clean the coils and remove any buildup gently.

💧 Check for Leaks and Insulate Pipes on the Heat Pump

Inspect the refrigerant lines and water pipes for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Keep pipes properly insulated to prevent freezing during the winter months. This is especially important in colder regions such as the Drakensberg and the Free State, or where temperatures get to 3˚C or below. Leaks not only reduce efficiency but can also damage the unit over time.

🔌 Inspect Electrical Components

Turn off the power and check all electrical connections for signs of wear, corrosion, or loose wires. Faulty connections can lead to system failure or even pose a fire risk. If you’re unsure, it’s best to call a qualified technician to inspect the heat pump.

🌀 Clear the Surrounding Area around the Heat Pump

Ensure that the outdoor unit has at least the clearances shown in the diagram below on all sides. Remove leaves, grass, and debris that may obstruct airflow. Trim back any vegetation that could interfere with the unit’s operation.

heat pump maintenance - inspect you water heating

📅 Schedule Annual Professional Servicing

Even with regular DIY maintenance, it’s wise to have your heat pump professionally serviced at least once a year. A technician can check refrigerant levels, test system controls, and ensure optimal performance, especially before the peak summer or winter seasons.

By following these simple steps, South African homeowners can enjoy reliable, energy-efficient water heating all year round. Whether your heat pump supports your home’s hot water needs, warms your swimming pool, or replaces a conventional geyser, regular maintenance ensures it performs efficiently across all applications. A well-maintained heat pump not only saves money on electricity but also contributes to a more sustainable home.

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THE HOME DETECTIVE » Homeowner » Maintenance

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How to monitor cracks

Worried About Cracks In Your House? Having Sleepless Nights?

crack
Here the foundation on the corner of the domestic bathroom had subsidised! Disguising cracks with paint and Polyfilla won’t work! You need to find the cause first and fix that before you patch walls!
crack
The problem here was with the pooling of water on the paving and the level of the paving being close to or at the floor level of the bathroom. In addition, it appears the bath waste or water supply may be leaking.

How to monitor cracks in your walls and floors!

Often, home buyers and homeowners are worried by cracks in the house and boundary walls, especially plastered walls!

The good news is that, generally, concrete, stone, brick, and masonry walls and concrete or screeded floors with cracks less than 1 mm wide (the thickness of a credit card) are common and usually do not warrant any corrective action. Most of these small, tight cracks are caused by normal shrinkage as the moisture in the walls and floors evaporates over time or by settlement of the structure, which usually occurs within the first few years after construction.

Be warned, however, that changes in and around the structure may also cause settlement many years later! Examples are planting a new garden or tree, or removing a garden or tree that is against or close to the house.

Crack Fillers

Note that all cracks should be sealed with paint, caulk (sealer), or mortar to prevent water from getting into the structure.

Moreover, if a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal masonry crack is filled with hard masonry patching compound, any substantial future movement is likely to show up as a new crack in the patched area or nearby.  Therefore, always use a non-shrinking grout to prevent stressing yourself!

Continued movement

Cracks that continue to move are a reason for concern! Continued movement in cracks should be evaluated as correction may be necessary. Therefore, if you notice a crack has re-cracked or gotten larger, it should be monitored! However, first, make sure there is no shrinkage of the filler product.  All 5 mm cracks or greater should be carefully monitored to ensure there is no continued movement.

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Roof Crocodiling or Alligatoring

WHAT IS ROOF CROCODILING AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOUR FLAT ROOF?

flat roof crocodiling of waterproofing
Flat roof waterproofing looks like crocodile skin. This is crocodiling!

Waterproofed concrete and composite flat roofs on residential and commercial buildings require more maintenance than sloped roofs. They react differently to sun and moisture than tiled or sheeted roofs and require more frequent maintenance to ensure they function as they should. One common problem with many flat roofs is crocodiling.

What is Crocodiling?

Crocodiling is a crazed cracking pattern on the surface of the waterproofing. It looks like crocodile skin, which is where the name comes from.

Crocodiling is a sign that your waterproofing is ageing. The sun’s UV rays dry out and damage the waterproofed surface, and after five years or more years, the coating may develop small cracks. The older your roof gets before you repair the crocodiling, the more expensive it will get.

Extreme temperature changes, changing from hot sunshine to sudden cloudbursts and rain, and even hot winter days and very cold nighttime temperatures will cause new cracks to appear and will make existing cracks worse. 

Leaves and debris will allow water to pool on the membrane which, together with the elements, will hasten the deterioration of the protective coating and waterproofing itself.

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Pipe Leak

Quick Fixes for a Pipe Leak during Lockdown:

Never work on the geyser in your home. Leave geyser repairs to a suitably qualified plumber!

Being prepared to protect your home against a sudden burst pipe can save you thousands of Rands in damage. The following tips will slow or stop pipe leaks long enough to get hold of an emergency plumber.  However, you may have to wait until the lockdown is over.

The first thing you should do is switch off the water supply. You might find this valve where your water supply enters your home or in the valve box on the pavement.

To temporarily stop a pinhole pipe leak on a water pipe, you need to seal the pipe at the leak point. If you have self-tapping screws you may need to widen the hole. Using a small piece of rubber or plastic pipe as a washer screw the self-tapper into the hole.

pipe leaks

If you don’t have one or can’t “borrow” one from appliances in your home! Alternatively, wrap electrical or duct tape around the pipe a few times. In addition, if the pipe leak is on a PVC or galvanised waste pipe, almost any type of tape can be used as a temporary fix.

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Damp Walls

Damp Walls In Your Home

gutters

I posted on my blog, in November last year, about damp walls that arise as a result of not having gutters on your home to control the flow of rainwater off your roof.

On Saturday, I inspected a four-year-old property that had a one tile overhang on the roof. There were no gutters, but the house had paving surrounding it.

However, the external walls of the house were in a desperate state because of the three most destructive mistakes architects, developers, builders, and homeowners make!

As a result, I’m going to repeat some of the issues mentioned in my blog!

Damp walls caused by the lack of gutters

Gutters collect rainwater runoff from the roof through downpipes. These convey rainwater onto concrete rainwater channels away from the house in a controlled manner. In addition, they also protect the timber roof structure at the eaves of the house. Furthermore, gutters protect the house’s exterior walls, windows, and doors. They also protect the foundation from damp and potential damage.

damp walls

The splashing against the walls was the most serious cause of the penetrating damp on the house walls. Moreover, the crazing cracking (spiderweb-like fine cracking) in the plasterwork was the main indicator of the penetrating damp caused by this splashing up of rainwater. Cracking was not observed higher up on the walls.

Even if your house has a reduced overhang at the eaves, gutters will still provide the required protection against heavy rain.

Insufficient roof overhang at the eaves

Roofs with no gutters and a two-tile overhang (600mm for a metal roof) or less will allow water to fall off the roof close to the walls, windows, doors, and the foundation.

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