July Must Do’s for Your Home.

July is the perfect month for outdoor living, having fun in the sun, and staying cool in the shade. But just because it’s summertime, doesn’t mean that you should take a vacation from making sure your home is in tip-top shape. Here are five must-do projects for the month of July that will greatly improve your summertime living.

1. Tackle your “honey do” list. Whether it’s a loose hand-rail, leaky faucet, or cracked floor tile, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem and safety hazard; fix those minor issues right away before they blend in and are forgotten.

2. Prevent pests from ruining your summer fun. From mosquitos to sugar ants, and everything in between, learn how to keep these summertime pests at bay. Eliminate standing water from your property and consider planting thyme or rosemary to ward off mosquitos. Sprinkle baking soda where you see sugar ants come in, and wipe down counters with a mixture of baking soda and water to keep them away.

3. Up your cool factor. Staying cool on those dog days of summer without breaking the bank is no easy task. But installing a ceiling fan can help. Running it along with your window or central air conditioner will help circulate cool which will allow you to dial up the thermostat and save a few bucks on your utility bills.

4. Be prepared for severe weather. Don’t wait until the storm clouds start rolling in to keep your home and family safe when severe weather strikes. Have an emergency kit fully stocked at all times, complete with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food. And don’t forget supplies for your four-legged friends. Also, if you have a sump pump, make sure it’s in good working order.

5. Show your grill some love. Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, maintain your grill so food will taste better and to help prevent a grease fire. Clean it after every use to purge the grills and burners of stuck on food. Properly dispose of coals when they are completely cool, or empty drip pans on your gas grill to prevent flare-ups.  Routinely soak the grates in warm soapy water to get them extra clean.

Ever thought about ditching the propane and hooking up your gas grill to a permanent outdoor natural gas pipe?  Then make this summer the one to make it happen.  All it takes is one quick phone call to Your 1 Plumber for a job done well and as safely as can be.