The Essential Home Maintenance Checklist

Would you prefer repairing a small crack, or rebuilding an entire wall? How about frequent cleaning of a filter versus replacing the complete air conditioning unit? Both examples illustrate the importance of home maintenance.

 

Like frequent health check-ups, a home cleaning schedule is essential for every house’s upkeep. Continuing to check on your electrical systems, plumbing, appliances, exterior, heating and cooling will help save money, prevent breakdowns, and keep your home looking at its best. Note these home improvement checklists to help schedule your repairs and cleaning, along with a bunch of other household chores. If any of the tasks go beyond your skill level or lead to more involved cleaning or repairs, consider hiring house cleaners in Chicago to help.

Take a look at our checklist below.

Monthly Home Improvement Checklist

With this comprehensive home maintenance checklist, our home cleaners in Chicago will help you save time and money each month:

1. Clean the furnace filter
2. Check the water softener and salt replenish if necessary
3. Clean shower heads and faucet aerators
4. Inspect sink drains and tubs for debris
5. Test smoke alarms
6. Inspect electrical cords for wear
7. Vacuum heat registers and heat vents
8. Check indoor and outdoor air vents
9. Clean the garbage disposal

Seasonal Home Improvement

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Here are our seasonal home cleaning recommendations for fall:

1. Have a qualified HVAC professional inspect your system to make sure it is ready to heat your home all winter.
2. Have a professional inspect wood stove and wood burning fireplace chimneys.
3. Clean gutters and check the roof to remove all debris that can trap snow and water during the winter.
4. Check exterior grade and fill in any depressions near the foundation that can trap water or snow.
5. Have a forced-air heating system inspected.
6. Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
7. Power-wash windows and siding.
8. Drain and winterize exterior plumbing.
9. Repair or replace siding.
10. Clean window and door screens.
11. Clean the carpets.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Make sure to check these winter items off your home maintenance checklist:

1. Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils.
2. Clean drains in dishwashers, showers, tubs, and sinks.
3. Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.
4. Inspect the gutters, roof, and downspouts for damage after storms.
5. Check basement for leaks during thaws.
6. Cover your air-conditioning unit.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Here’s the springtime homeowner’s maintenance checklist

1. Polish wood furniture, and dust light fixtures.
2. Clean window and door screens.
3. Change the air-conditioner filter.
4. Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
5. Power-wash windows and siding.
6. Refinish the deck.
7. Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.
8. Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
9. Inspect chimney for damage.
10. Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
11. Have an air-conditioning system serviced.
12. Drain or flush water heater.
13. Remove the insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Here is our quick summer home maintenance guide to get the hard work out of the way

1. Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents.
2. Replace interior and exterior faucet and shower head washers.
3. Check dishwasher for leaks.
4. Check around bathroom and kitchen cabinets and toilets for leaks.
5. Clean refrigerator and freezer coil.
6. Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter.
7. Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges.

Hire House Cleaners In Chicago to Keep Your Safe & Secure for a Lifetime

This homeowner’s maintenance checklist will help you ensure your home is secure and safe all year round. By hiring professional house cleaners in Chicago and with proper maintenance you can give your home a fighting chance to stand strong for years.

How To Hang a TV?

 

Bought a new flat-screen TV? Want to know how to hang a TV? You can do it by hanging some precise measuring and driving a few screws. Want to get more in-depth knowledge about the same? Then read on the post below.

 

Today you can find dozens of TV models, which might confuse you or make you feel overwhelmed. However, you will be glad to know that it is not that difficult as it might seem. They are all just variations of the three basic styles of mounting. And the difference between the three types is mainly how much screen position adjustment is being allowed. Adjustments are made for eliminating glare and increasing the viewing comfort in other ways too. However, the adjustment is mostly necessary for picture quality.

Usually, the flat TVs are designed in a way so that it can be mounted to the walls. Hence you need to choose the right amount. Considering the wiring before choosing the mountain as the wiring style depends on the mount design. It also determines how and where you can install an outlet and cable connections.

Mount Styles

Let us look at the different styles of mount below:

•   Low-profile mounts: These are meant for necessary mounting that holds the TV close to the wall, which reduces the risk of TV damages or bruises.
•   Tilting mounts: Such mounts offer more adjustability and allow you to mount the TV above eye level or twist the angle to suit the situation. Such adjustability will enable you to watch your TV either from the floor or the sofa at your convenience.
  
•   Full-motion mounts: These mounts are the most versatile option. It allows you to tilt, pan, swivel, and extend your TV, which means you can pull the TV away from the wall and turn it to the left or right towards your face.

Adjusting the Height

To adjust the height of the TV in the right position, you might need three people. Once you have found the right spot, make sure to mark one corner with masking tape. Then add a video to keep the bottom edge and the other corner by sitting the TV aside.

People make a common mistake while picking a spot for a TV because they place it too high, which makes your TV watching uncomfortable and may give you a sore neck while displaying gloomy pictures, especially when the mount isn’t adjustable. According to some experts, centering the screen at eye level while some others say mounting it a bit lower is better so that the eye level is centered on the top two-thirds of the TV.

However, there is no correct height to hang a TV on the wall. It mostly depends on the size of the TV and the room. If you have a big TV that you want to mount in a prominent place, it should be mounted higher on the wall. The best way to find the right spot to mount the TV is by judging the viewing position and looking at the screen in different places on the wall. Once you find the right site, mark the TV’s location on the border with masking tape.

Modifying the Location

Mount the wall plate on the brackets and measure from the MTV’s right edge to the frame and then transfer the measurement to the wall. Now, locate the nearest stud and start drilling. As most of the wall plates allow you to slide the TV right or left a few inches, you need not have to worry about centering the plates perfectly to hang the TV. However, positioning can be a tricky affair!

How to Hang a TV?

•   Screw the brackets to the TV (follow the instructions).
•   Pry off the plastic plugs that are hiding the screw holes at the back of the TV.
•   Hang the wall plate on the brackets for attaching the complete mount to the TV.
•   Prop the TV against the wall and measure the distance from the bottom of the TV to the center of each row of mounting holes on the backplate.
•   Now, measure the same distances on the wall up from the tape and mark the stud locations.
•   Verify the marks with a level to ensure that they are at the perfect level (horizontally).
•   Drill holes at the marks for about 1/8 inches smaller than the lag screws.
•   After that, screw the plate to the wall using a ratchet wrench and socket.

Do not want to waste your time in multiple times adjustments and hassles? Then call up a handyman or a professional TV installer is highly recommended.

Conclusion:

Find the best TV installer to hang your TV with the utmost precision with the ChoreRelief app. For more details, visit https://chorerelief.com/

How To Fix My Toilet If It is Broken?

 

Toilets! What if these do not exist? What would we do without them? That is why making sure that the bathroom is appropriately functioning is necessary. However, with time and several other reasons, toilet parts start breaking down, leading to common concerns.  No matter how strong and durable your toilet is, if not given proper care and maintenance, sooner or later, it will become dysfunctional.

Broken toilets can be annoying. However, the problem might be minor and entirely fixable as well. Looking for answers to your question on how to fix my bathroom if it is broken? Then scroll down:

There can be different problems with different toilets. So let us check out solutions to the other issues of your toilet below.

1. Problem:

Water runs continuously along with a high-pitched, whining noise that stops by jiggling the handle a bit.

Solution:

You must clean the toilet flapper using a scrubbing sponge as many a time due to dirt accumulation. It may not be sealed tightly. Another issue might be the loosened chain; it could hold the flapper open if it is too tight. Replace the flapper. Cut back the fill tube to sit perfectly in the overflow pipe above the waterline, and your problem will be resolved.

plumber at work in a bathroom, plumbing repair service, assemble and install concept

2. Problem:

Overflowing toilet bowl.

Solution:

The problem might be due to clogging. So you need to lift the lid and lift the floating arm or turn the water supply off. If you notice a clog there, then clean it up.

3. Problem:

Water leak under the tank.

Solution:

The water leakage might be due to damage in the tank to bowl gasket. So to solve this problem, you will need to replace the tank.

4. Problem:

Toilet bowl leakage

Solution:

Usually, leakage in the toilet bowl is observed when it gets cracked. So for solving this problem, you might need to replace the entire toilet.

5. Problem:

The toilet flush is not working, and there is a need to hold the handle down always to flush.

Solution:

There might be a few reasons behind it. Firstly, the flapper might be wrong sized, and you need to replace it. The chain might have loosened, so you will need to tighten it for opening the flapper. Another reason that might be the problem is the tank’s water level, which you need to reset by twisting or bending the float cup. It will help you adjust the water level. Also, the arm may be broken, and if that is the case, you may want to replace it.

6. Problem:

Water leakage around the toilet on the floor damaging the flooring and spreading terrible odor.

Solution:

The wax ring might have been damaged, so you will need to replace it to reseal the toilet’s bottom. This will stop the water from leaking.

7. Problem:

Frequent wearing out of the flapper.

Solution:

To prevent the flapper from wearing out frequently, you will need to invest in a tank cleaner to keep it is clean.

8. Problem:

The tank is not filling up with water.

Solution:

There might be an issue with the water supply line, such as it might have been damaged, so if required, replace it. The water supply might be shut off; then, you will need to turn it on again. If that is not the problem, then the fill valve might be finished, so you will need to replace it. Another reason behind this problem might be an obstruction in the water supply, for which you may need to call a plumber.

If you still find the problem tricky or could not locate your toilet, it is recommended to call a plumbing expert for help. And today, you are seeing the right plumber nearby has become more comfortable with mobile apps like ChoreRelief that allow you to find the right plumbing experts at the convenience of your home.

Conclusion:

ChoreRelief is an innovative mobile app that allows you to find the right and dependable plumbing experts easily. For more information, visit website. Please connect with our social media page Facebook and Twitter.

5 Ways To Fix A Faucet

 

A leaking faucet is one of the few highly frustrating things. It does not just make a constant dripping sound, but also a substantial increase in your water bills can be noticed. Not only that, but the risk of mold growth also gets heightened in your home. 

However, the good news is that fixing a leaky faucet isn’t a costly affair like other home improvement projects, provided the severity of the plumbing issue plays a considerable role here.

 

There are five ways to fix a faucet that are productive and cost-effective. But for that, you will need to know the type of faucet you have and the necessary tools to correct the problem. As far as faucet types are concerned, four common types that include:

•   Compression faucet – Features one handle for cold water and one for hot water
•   Ball faucet – Features central handle powered by a ball bearing used for setting the desired temperature
•   Cartridge faucet – Features Sleeve-shaped central handle powered by the internal cartridge.
•   Ceramic-disk faucet – Features Central handle powered by a ceramic cylinder.

Necessary tools for fixing a leaky faucet include an adjustable wrench, flathead screwdriver, faucet washer, sink plug, O-rings, and brass screws.

5 Ways to Fix a Faucet

1. Finding the Source of a Leaky Faucet

Now that you know the faucet type and the tools necessary to fix it, the first step you need to take is to find the source of the leak or damage. If you see moisture directly below the faucet, then dry it first for better diagnosis. Is water dripping from the spout even after the tap is off? Or water leaks at the base and not from the tap? Does water leaks at the bottom as well as from the tap when the faucet is on? Or the water leaks through the handle’s top? If you cannot identify the leak source, then make sure to hire a professional for help.

2. Fixing a Compression Faucet

To fix a compression faucet, you will need to remove the handles by removing the decorative caps and then removing the screws beneath. You will need a wrench to remove the packing nut below the handle. Then remove the stem, O-rings, and seat washer. Usually, the seat washer is the main culprit behind the leaks in compression faucets, which can be diagnosed when the spout is dripping. And if the handles are leaky, then O-ring is responsible. You can replace the seat washer by concealing the replacement using a plumber’s grease and secure it with a brass screw. Now reassemble the faucet! And it’s done.

3. Fixing a Ball Faucet

To fix a ball faucet, you will need to purchase a replacement kit as the ball faucets consist of several parts and require specialty tools. You can use a screwdriver for removing the handle. Using pliers and a specialty tool, remove the cap, collar, and faucet cam, lift out the washer, and the ball bearing. For reaching into the faucet’s mechanism, you will need to use needle-nose pliers. Then remove the inlet seals and springs. Cut off the worn O-ring and replace it with a new one and coat the replacement using plumber’s grease before installation. Now install new springs, inlet seals, and washer and reassemble the faucet.

4. Fixing a Cartridge Faucet

Fixing a cartridge faucet will need you to remove the handle by removing the decorative cap after removing the screws beneath and tilting it backward. If there is any clip that holds the cartridge in place, then remove it using pliers. Now remove the cartridge by pulling it straight up and then remove the spout. Replace the worn-out O-ring and coat it with plumber’s grease and then reassemble the faucet.

5. Fixing a Ceramic-Disk Faucet

In this case, you will need to unscrew and remove the handle after removing the metal escutcheon cap located below. After that, unscrew and remove the disk cylinder and lift the neoprene seals from the cylinder out. Clean the openings of the cylinder using distilled white vinegar and a cleaning cloth. Then replace the worn-out neoprene seals and reassemble the faucet. Turn the water on slow pressure as a higher force may damage the ceramic cylinder.

Conclusion:

These are the five different ways to fix the faucet. However, if you find it confusing or want a professional fix, look for professional plumbers in your area via mobile apps like ChoreRelief, Home Advisor, etc.

6 Ways to Fix Broken Toilet

Fixing a broken toilet requires a professional plumber; however, a few times when DIY toilet fixing can be done. You just need a few DIY skills for that. Following are six ways to fix a broken toilet, have a look:

6 Ways to Fix Broken Toilet

1. Fixing a Clogged Toilet

The most common issue with toilets is a clogged toilet. This issue may originate either due to excessive water flow or flushing down too much material. Whatever might be the case, there are a few options for clearing out the clog. One of the best tools for this purpose is a plunger; however, choosing the right one is necessary. Push the plunger slowly as it will the first remover the air moving, and you will avoid splashing of dirty water on yourself. If you do not get the result after pumping the plunger a few times, mix baking soda and vinegar. This is a non-toxic solution that helps in keeping drains run smoothly. And if this trick also fails, then buy a plumbing snake and use it to avoid scratching or damaging your toilet.

 

2. Ballcock Replacement

Is your toilet running? Then the culprit might be the ballcock! A ballcock is a hollow ball that floats at the top of the water in your tank. It is responsible for operating the valve that keeps the water flowing and stopping. When the water is drained from the tank, the ball drops down. As the water gets filled in the tank, the ball raises, and the valve is connected to gets closed. If the water continues to run, then it indicates that the ballcock is not calibrated correctly. You can get pent the float arm for shutting off the tank or fine-tune the quantity of water you are using in your tank. The best way out is to replace the ballcock with a modern float-cup valve to avoid fixing this issue.

3. Issues with Flush Valve

Is the flush valve throwing tantrums? Take a closer look at it. The flush valve is a brass or plastic fitting located at the center of your tank attached to the opening. There is a flapper that is accountable for emptying water and keeping it in the tank. The overflow tube prevents the water from overflowing into the tank. If any of these components aren't working correctly, then it could cause the water to run.

4. Continuously Running Toilet

Is your toilet running always? Or do you need to waggle the handle often? Then the problem might be with the flapper. Here, it is necessary to completely seal the flush opening for keeping the tank run slowly. If the water in your tank runs too high, water flows into the overflow tube and is sent back into the tank. You can adjust the refill valves for changing the water level. If required, replace the flapper valve.

5. Loosened Flush Handle

A loosened flush handle can be a great hassle if not fixed on time. You will need to open up the tank and check the lift wire or chain for selecting it. In most cases, the lift chain gets tangled, bent, or broken, causing the handle to loosen up. The broken chain can be temporarily fixed with a paper clip. And if the mounting nut of the handle inside the tank is loose, you need to turn the nut and secure the handle to its location on the side of the tank.

6. Leaking Toilet Base

Some issues occur outside the bowl as well. However, before diagnosing the problem, consider the season due to humidity and condensation, some tanks appear leaky. However, if there is a puddle seen at the base of your toilet, be careful else you might have to deal with the dirty and contaminated water. A wax ring seals the bottom of the bathroom to the drain opening below. Remove the toilet to fix the problem, and for this, hire a professional plumber.

Conclusion:

If you find fixing the toilet too intense, then it is high to call a plumber. With mobile apps like ChoreRelief, you can easily find out the best and background checked plumbers in and nearby your area. To know more about the app, visit https://chorerelief.com/

Handyman Apps - Making Our Lives Easier and Better!

Building a new home or buying a home is much easier than maintaining it! Home maintenance seeks a lot of patience and time, which most of us lack nowadays. Moreover, there are certain things that we cannot fix on ourselves such as plumbing leakages, electrical issues and likewise and hence, we seek professional help. But if you have multiple issues to fix, calling professional for each job can be a costly affair and in such cases handyman services are the best solution.

 

However, finding a skilled handyman can be a tiresome job! Fortunately to help you with this issue, today you can find a number on on-demand handyman apps where you can search and hire professionals for performing a specific job.

 

How Handyman Apps Work?

A handyman app is an online platform via which customers can connect with the professionals for doing household jobs of any type that include plumbing, wiring, renovations, cleaning, carpentry and every other household repairs and services.

To take advantage of the handyman apps, follow the following steps:

• Log in to the app by providing the necessary information.
• When prompted add your exact location. For instance, you seek handyman services in Chicago, then enter Chicago as the location.
• Then select the type of services you are looking for, the scheduled date and time of service.
• Exact fare will be displayed before you book the service, if you are satisfied with pricing you can proceed further to complete the process.
• Once booked, the professional will show up at the specified time and date at your location.

Best Handyman Apps

Let us check out some of the best handyman apps below -

• TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is an American handyman app that helps people find and book professionals for house care services such as cleaning, moving, furniture assembling as well as ordering groceries and much more. This handyman app is now operating in 47 cities of the USA, 4 cities of the UK and a city from Canada.

• Handy

Handy is yet another American based handyman app developed by a company located in New York. This app also offers various household services like cleaning, electrical help, maid service, plumbing, moving and more. Their service areas include the US, the UK and Canada.

• Urban Company

Urban Company, formerly known as Urban Clap is a handyman app from India that offers a myriad of services including AC repair, cleaning, electrical services, plumbing, home salon, painting and more. They have also introduced disinfection services during COVID-19 pandemic period. The company operates in 18 cities of India and 4 international cities i.e. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sydney and Singapore.

• Thumbtack

A California based handyman services company, Thumbtack offers almost 1000 different services to choose from including home tutor, dog trainer, florist, cleaners, makeup professionals and more.

• ChoreRelief

ChoreRelief is a Chicago based handyman app that provides a marketplace where landlords and homeowners can post jobs at the rate they want to pay, and skilled professionals accept or counter-bid on them. You can discover a variety of handyman services in Chicago via this app that include cleaning, plumbing, moving, landscaping, fixing electricity issues, snow removal, HVAC repair and more.

Conclusion:

Handyman services play a crucial role in our lives; however finding the right service is necessary. During the current scenario where COVID-19 pandemic has affected our lives handyman apps are the best solution to find the right professionals for our needs.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Deep Cleaning Services

The current Covid-19 pandemic situation demands high level of cleaning; be it your home or office space. However, with our hectic lifestyle it becomes difficult for us to maintain our surroundings clean and hygienic. If you too facing such problem in Chicago? Then you must look for professional deep cleaning services in Chicago who can help you.  There are several benefits of hiring professional deep cleaning services in Chicago. Let us have a look at some of the benefits below:

• Saves Time and Energy

It is obvious that when professionals work, they will use their experience and expertise to complete cleaning task in lesser time. You need not have to struggle in scrubbing the bathroom or cleaning the oily kitchen exhaust pipe every few months when you hire experts for the job. This saves your time, which you can spend on other important aspects of your life. Moreover, by hiring a professional deep cleaning expert you get a peace of mind that your home cleaning are in safe hands.

• Money Saving

Most of the people assume that hiring professional deep cleaning services is a costly affair, but they do not realize that it helps them save money. You must be wondering how! Assume that you opt for DIY cleaning, you will need to buy brushes, mops, detergents and so many other tools for cleaning the dirty areas. You may also need to buy various equipment that may cost you even more than hiring a professional cleaner. Furthermore, you may need to put extra efforts in the process.

Also, remember that you are not an expert cleaner; hence, despite of your best efforts you may end up leaving certain places. On the other hand, the experts have years of experience and are equipped with all essential tools and techniques which will make home cleaning much easier. They will clean every room and nook and corner without missing any dust or grime.

• Quick and Stress-Free Service

As compared to regular cleaning, deep cleaning requires attention to detail approach, which can only be provided by  professional deep cleaner. Expert cleaners will come to your house as per your convenience and help you by cleaning the areas that are difficult to clean. You will have to pay only for the services you choose. For instance, if you require bathroom cleaning, you can opt for bathroom cleaners. To make your search for deep cleaning services in Chicago you can also use cleaning apps like ChoreRelief, where you can find a wide number of vetted deep cleaning experts in and nearby your location under one roof. You will have to specify your cleaning needs, scheduled date and time and the experts will be right there on time for the service at your doorsteps.

• Get a Clean and Hygienic Home

With specialized equipment and cleaning solutions, the professionals make sure to provide you an expert clean and hygienic home. Even the most inaccessible places will be cleaned with utmost care. From vacuuming your sofa, chairs, cushions to removing the dust, food particles and hairballs accumulated over the years, can be cleaned professionally leaving a clean and hygienic space.

Conclusion:

ChoreRelief is an online platform that can help you find a wide number of professional deep cleaning services in Chicago who are vetted. For more information visit website.