Home

• Check operation of toilet, and the area between the tank and bowl, and around the base for leaks.
• Remove "pop-up'' drain plugs from sink or tub and clean.
• Turn off the water supply to the house and note the water meter reading. Leave the water off and re-read the water meter after 1 hour. If the reading changes, there is a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.
• Check valve where water enters the house, outdoor faucets, and any valves to toilet, bathroom or kitchen sink, bar, laundry, etc. for leaks. Turn each off and on several times to check their operation.
• Inspect grout and caulk around sinks, tubs and showers. Repair or replace damaged areas.
• Inspect water heater for leaks and flush tank. Test the temperature and pressure (T & P) relief valve on your water heater by opening it and allowing some water to flow out. If little or no water flows out or it doesn't shut off, replace it. By not replacing it, you may risk the heater blowing up.
• To minimize the chances of a range hood vent fire, clean the underside of the hood regularly and then clean or replace filter(s).

Garden

• Fertilize citrus trees when the soil warms to 50 degrees.
• Feed fuchsias at the first sign of new leaves.
• It's warm enough to plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and squash late in the month.
• Check the sprinkler system for clogged and wrong-way heads. Do this before the automatic controller is turned on for the season.
• Spray apple, pears and pyracantha for fireblight. Use a copper-based spray with a sticker-spreader for best results.
• If you have had wormy apples spray the trees for coddling moth.
• Feed rhododendrons when flower buds swell. Use a fertilizer especially made for rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.
• Feed gardenias with acid food in mid-March, mid-April, and again mid-May.