Maintenance

Everyone knows about asbestos, but it’s surprising how few people realise how much of a risk lead paint can be – and just how common it is in older Australian homes.

Proper routine hot water system maintenance isn't difficult if you know what you're doing - and it can double or triple the life of your hot water system. Find out what you can do to keep your hot water going.

Wood plastic composite decking isn't the same as timber decking - and while it's likely to require far less maintenance than timber decking, it still needs to be cared for and cleaned properly to ensure that it lasts.

Since keeping the blades turning freely is what gives turbines power, you'll want to ensure that yours is as clean and efficient as possible. Good maintenance and regular inspection will definitely help with this.

Solar panels don't need that much maintenance thanks to the fact that they have no moving parts - although they will require a clean now and then, and will need to be professionally replaced if they become damaged.

Problems with your solar panel? Find out how to tell if there's a problem, what sorts of issues are most common, and what kinds of steps you can take to get your solar panels repaired.

A dirty solar panel is an inefficient one: dirty solar panels will produce less power than clean ones, which may even cost you money over time. Find out how - and how often - to clean your solar panels.

For serious plumbing emergencies you'll need a plumber, but there's still quite a bit you can do yourself in terms of maintaining your sink and taps, or even in terms of unclogging a blocked sink.

Most kitchen appliances see plenty of use, and are exposed to all sorts of perishable foodstuffs. For this reason - and because they're the sorts of things you don't want to have to replace too often - regular maintenance is a must.

Kitchens are normally a hive of activity, and are filled with moving parts and all kinds of perishable food items.

Dishwashers get a heavy workout - and can suffer as much from rust and limescale as they can from grime and food stains. Thankfully cleaning them is fairly easy. Find out how to clean your dishwasher.

Most splashbacks can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a bit of household cleaner, but different types of materials will require different levels of care.

Taking proper care of your kitchen bench will help to ensure it maintains its looks and stays in shape - but different bench materials need different care. Find out how to clean and care for your benchtop.

Cleaning an oven doesn't have to be a filthy, back-breaking chore if you do it right (and do it regularly). Find out more about how to clean your oven, and what you should use.

A bit of care and attention from time to time will help to ensure that your pergola stands up to the elements and continues to look as good as it did when you installed it.

A bit of routine maintenance and care can easily double or triple the lifespan of your hot water system. Find out how.

Floors see a lot of wear and tear, but if they're properly cared for and maintained most floor surfaces can be kept looking great for decades.

A little lateral thinking and the right setup will help you get far more from your A/V and home automation systems. Learn more about the best way to set up and maintain your connected home.

Maintaining your heating, cooling and ventilation systems isn't difficult, and isn't even something you need to do that often. Doing it right, though, can save you thousands and protect your home.

If they're not maintained properly, your bathrooms can cause you all kinds of headaches. Find out how to properly care for your bathroom without wearing your fingers to the bone.