Your essential home maintenance guide

Bathroom

• Check all plumbing fixtures for leaks, water damage or mould. As this can be difficult to spot, look for discolouration on plasterboard or new ‘bubbles’ in old paintwork.
• Blockages can develop in pipes that aren’t used much, so run water through drains and toilets regularly.

Ventilation

• To keep exhaust fans working effectively, remove any dust or lint from the vents to prevent moisture build-up.

Exterior

• Remove any leaves or debris from drains, downpipes and gutters that could potentially cause blockages.
• Check gutters and consider installing gutter guards. While easier to maintain, gutter guards should be flushed every year to remove dust and debris.
• Make sure water flows away from your property, including sheds and granny flats, during rainfall. Water draining towards your property could harm its foundations.

Pests

• Check your property and its surroundings for signs of termites and pests.
• Seal entry points to prevent infestations. Arrange pest control, if necessary.

Bathroom

• Inspect and replace any cracked tiles or damage to your shower base.
• Check the silicone sealant, especially around the base of the shower to make sure it isn’t separating from the tiles.
• If any walls back onto wet areas, check inside cupboards and behind bathroom fittings to make sure water hasn’t seeped through.

Kitchen and laundry

• Test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.
• Replace any fire extinguishers or fire blankets if needed.
• Check your dishwasher and cabinets for any signs of leaks or water damage, such as swollen cabinetry or pooling water.
• Does your fridge need a good clean? A thorough clean should include coils and drip trays.
• Clean your clothes dryer filter screen. Rinse this out monthly during the colder months when it’s used more often.

Exterior

• Trim trees and shrubs near your house, fences or sheds to help prevent damage from falling branches, clogged drains or gutters.
• If you have solar panels, consider getting them checked for any build-up of leaves or debris to reduce any potential fire risk.

Bathroom

• Remove your showerheads and clean them to remove any sediment build-up.
• Check pipes, taps and toilets for leaks.

Kitchen and laundry

• Call in a licensed plumber to inspect your flexi hoses to decide if they need to be replaced. For more information about flexi hoses, see our Flexi Hoses Maintenance Checklist (PDF, 754 KB).
• Arrange for your rangehood filters to be cleaned with a strong degreaser.

Ventilation and heating

• Schedule annual HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning) maintenance.
• If you have any wood-burning heaters, it’s a good idea to get them serviced each year. Make sure the flue is checked and cleaned.

Roof and exterior

• Get your roof tiles, corrugated sheets or shingles checked by a roofing professional to make sure they’re in good condition and secure. For further information, see our Roof Maintenance Checklist (PDF, 2.9 MB).
• Inspect windowsills, doorways and thresholds for leaks or cracks.
• Check, repair and repaint any walls with cracks, peeling paint or loose weatherboard.
• Consider removing trees or bushes close to your property. Did you know that roots seeking moisture can burst pipes and cause water leaks? Monitor the ground around your property for signs of sinking or shifting, just in case.
• Get swimming pool pumps serviced by a professional. Note: Never drain your pool after rain as it can create hydrostatic pressure that could potentially lift the pool out of the ground. This could affect your home’s foundations and cause subsidence.

Fencing and decking

• If your fences and decking show signs of rot, rust, deterioration, or loose posts, consider replacing them.
• Clean and reseal decking.
• Check that your pool fences are still compliant with safety regulations.

Bathroom, kitchen, and laundry

• Check your kitchen and bathroom taps as they’re likely to need replacing after 10-15 years.
• Replace damaged grout and sealant as water can seep underneath and loosen the tiles over time. Caulking is expected to last 5–10 years, grout 15–20 years.
• Check and replace any rusted or deteriorated sinks or pipes.

Ventilation and heating

• If your water heater shows signs of deterioration, like water appearing discoloured or not getting hot, arrange for it to be replaced. Water heaters have a lifespan of 10–12 years.
• Consider replacing your exhaust fans as they can last 10–15 years.
• If your heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is 15–20 years old, it may need replacing.

Roof and exterior

• If your roof is showing signs of deterioration, arrange for it to be fixed or replaced. The average roof will last 25–50 years, depending on the type of materials used. Asphalt shingles may last 30 years.
• When your gutters show signs of wear and tear, such as rust and corrosion, replace them. Aluminium gutters usually last 20 years, copper gutters 40 years.
• Repair cracks and repaint any internal and external walls to protect them and help them last longer. If there are any significant cracks in your walls or foundations, talk to a professional builder.
• Check driveways and pathways for any cracks or ‘bubbles’ and arrange repairs to stop any further movement or damage.

• To reduce the risk of damage from burst pipes while you’re away, turn off the water supply to your home at the water mains.
• Unplug all unnecessary electric appliances. While helping to keep your home safe, this may also save you money.
• Check the dates of food in your fridge or pantry. Use up items that will go out of date before you return, or freeze them, or dispose of them sustainably.
• Move pot plants into shady areas or ask a trusted neighbour to help with watering your plants or garden.

• Secure outdoor furniture and any items that could be blown away or cause damage.
• If it’s not raining, use a garden hose to check your gutters and downpipes are flowing effectively. Make sure your gutters are clear first.
• We’re ready to support you through extreme weather. Find more information about what to do before, during and after an extreme weather event.