9 Things You're Probably Doing That Can Really Hurt Your House

For many people, owning a home is the ultimate symbol of success. You don't have to argue with a landlord, worry about unexpected rent increases or put up with noisy neighbors living above or below you. That said, the life of a homeowner isn't always easy. You need to take care of your home so you don't end up with exorbitant repair bills.

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9 Things That Can Destroy a House Over Time

When you think of things that can destroy a house, you probably imagine hitting the walls with a sledgehammer or ramming a vehicle into the garage doors. In many cases, though, damage accumulates over time rather than in one shocking incident. If you don't want to ruin your house, avoid these habits.

1. Pouring Used Cooking Oil Down the Drain

After you fry up some chicken cutlets or make your own thick-cut French fries, you need somewhere to put the used oil. If you've been pouring it down the drain, stop. Grease builds up over time, increasing the risk of clogs. You may even damage your sewer system, leaving you with a stinky problem that costs a lot to fix. Instead of pouring oil down the drain, put it in a coffee can or some other type of container and throw it in your trash can.

2. Sweeping Frequently

It's great that you want to maintain a clean house, but sweeping too often may damage your flooring. Here's why: Dirt, sand, food particles and other types of debris have a gritty texture. When you push them across the floor, they may scratch the wood or tile, causing permanent damage. Instead of sweeping nightly, try using a dusting mop. This type of mop typically uses a microfiber cloth to get rid of dirt without scratching the floors.

3. Failing to Maintain Appliances

Washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers make life more convenient — provided you take care of them properly. If you don't maintain your appliances, you may find yourself dealing with unexpected leaks or fires. Some leaks are hard to detect, so you may not even realize there's a problem until your walls start sagging or your wooden floors have rotted. Avoid this type of damage by maintaining your appliances according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

4. Allowing Rodents to Take Up Residence

To some people, mice and rats are adorable friends, not rodents that should be kept outdoors at all costs. Unfortunately, your cute little friends may chew through your wiring and insulation, causing significant damage to your home. The Illinois Department of Health estimates that 25% of all fires of unknown origin are probably caused by rodents chewing on electrical wiring, gas lines and matches. To keep rodents out of your home, be sure to seal any gaps around doors and windows.

5. Ignoring Your Roof

Your roof protects you from ultraviolet light, wind, rain, snow and more. Because it's above you, it's easy to forget about all the hard work your roof does day in and day out. One of the biggest things that can destroy a house is failing to maintain your roof properly. Small cracks in your shingles may not seem like a big deal, but those cracks typically get bigger over time. Eventually, water starts to seep under the shingles. If you don't act right away, you may end up with water dripping down your walls.

To prevent damage associated with a neglected roof, have a professional roofer do an annual inspection. They'll look for holes, cracks, clogged gutters and other problems. It's also wise to have your roof inspected after a major storm.

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6. Failing to Change Your HVAC Filters

Your HVAC system has filters designed to trap dirt, dust, pet hair and other types of debris. If you don't change these filters regularly, they're likely to become clogged, forcing your HVAC system to work harder than usual. Clogged filters also impact indoor air quality, so it's important to change your HVAC filters every 60 to 90 days.

7. Using Dryer Sheets

Using dryer sheets is one of the most surprising things that can destroy a house. Each sheet contains stearic acid, a substance that coats the inside of your dryer. Over time, this substance builds up on the lint filter, making your dryer less efficient. Because stearic acid is combustible, this waxy buildup also increases the risk of dryer fires. To prevent static cling without damaging your home, try wool dryer balls.

8. Flushing Baby Wipes

Toilet paper breaks down quickly, so it's okay to flush it down the toilet. We can't say the same for baby wipes. Even "flushable" wipes take a long time to break down. If they stick to each other or to other items in the sewer system, they can cause serious clogs. To avoid damaging your plumbing system, never flush baby wipes, diapers or any other items.

9. Allowing Clutter to Take Over

It's normal to have a bit of clutter, but too much of it can cause significant damage. For example, if you have dozens of boxes piled in a second-floor room, the weight of those boxes may cause the floor to sag. If clutter has taken over your home, consider hiring a cleaning service or professional organizer to help you get back on track.