NORWALK, CT. – May 6, 2025 – As the weather warms, it's time to think about graduation celebrations, garden parties and outdoor entertaining, but before you start planning, there are some crucial spring home maintenance chores that need your attention.

Winter weather may have taken a toll on your outdoor spaces and getting ahead of these home maintenance tasks will ensure your event goes smoothly, without an emergency home repair distracting from the festivities.

Homeowners and gardeners are encouraged to assess outdoor systems to prevent costly damage. It's important to inspect and prepare plumbing and drainage systems for the coming warmer months. In addition, you should schedule a spring tune-up for your air conditioning system, so your guests stay cool and comfortable.

While some tasks, like cleaning your gutters, will prevent small issues spiraling into expensive problems, others, like tuning up your A/C, will save you money all summer long. And, of course, these maintenance tasks will help keep your property looking attractive year-round!

Expert Tips for Outdoor Maintenance Success

HomeServe offers strategic maintenance tips for homeowners ready to prepare for the season, including professional repair cost estimates, potential issue identification and DIY advice for minor fixes. Here is a sampling of things homeowners should consider now.

Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

• Importance: Clogged gutters lead to leaks, mold and structural issues.

• Average Pro Cost: Professional gutter cleaning typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on home size and debris buildup.

• Signs of Problems: Overflowing gutters, water stains on siding or sagging gutter sections indicate malfunction.

• DIY Tip: Use a sturdy ladder, gloves and a gutter scoop for debris removal. Flush with a garden hose to ensure proper water flow.

HomeServe's editorial team walks homeowners through DIY gutter and downspout cleaning in a minute and a half.

Inspecting and Repairing Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

• Importance: Leaky faucets or damaged hoses waste water and incur high utility bills.

• Signs of Problems: Drips, weak water pressure or water pooling near connections.

• Average Pro Cost: $75 to $150 for a plumber to repair or replace a faulty faucet.

• DIY Tip: Tighten connections or replace worn-out washers and O-rings. Use waterproof tape for minor hose cracks.

Sump Pump Maintenance and Repairs

• Importance: Regular sump pump maintenance and repair are essential to prevent basement flooding and helps maintain a dry, mold-free home.

• Average Pro Cost: Professional replacement costs between $308 and $749; minor repairs range from $400 to $550.

• Signs of Problems: Unusual noises, non-stop cycling or water pooling in the basement.

• DIY Tips: Test the pump by pouring water into the pit. Clear debris from the pit and check for discharge line clogs.

Drainage System Inspection

• Importance: Properly operating drainage systems keep foundation integrity and prevents water damage, mold and flooding.

• Average Pro Cost: Professional repairs range from $100–$10,000+ depending on severity.

• Signs of Problems: Look for standing water, dampness, cracks, erosion or slow drainage.

• DIY Tips: Clear debris, extend downspouts, fill low spots, seal cracks and ensure proper yard slope.

Air Conditioning Tune-Up

• Importance: Extends the life of your unit, improves energy efficiency and air quality and prevents an inconvenient breakdown during the summer cooling system.

• Average Pro Cost: An average tune-up costs between $75 and $200, depending on the size and complexity of your system. A repair can cost, on average, between $200 and $2,500, depending on the repair needed.

• Signs of Problems: Weak airflow, warm air and unpleasant smells or noises.

• DIY Tips: While you should have a pro do a tune-up, homeowners can change the filters, make sure the condensate line is clear and keep plants and branches clear of the outdoor unit.

HomeServe's editorial team shows Homeowners how to unclog their air conditioner's condensate line in less than two minutes.

Properly addressing seasonal home maintenance tasks is crucial to preventing minor issues from escalating into major, inconvenient and costly repairs. Proactive maintenance not only saves money overall but also ensures the home stays safe, functional and comfortable year-round.

For more DIY tips and suggestions for all your home needs visit HomeServe’s Blog.