Tips on Dealing with Spring Repairs and Preventive Care.

Newport Beach, Calif. -- Today's better-built, well-insulated homes can trap excess moisture inside, especially if there is inadequate ventilation. The unwanted moisture shows up as musty odors, rusty stains around light fixtures, damp, sticky floors, and mildew and mold growth.

Good preventative maintenance can help eliminate many moisture problems, according to C.J. Gehlke, president and founder of REO Nationwide in Newport Beach, Calif. It is important to fix leaky faucets and dripping toilets. Common problems include stoppages of toilets and drains, garbage disposals, clogged air conditioner lines and deterioration, and bursting of water lines. Roots in sewer lines can cause backups and damage as well.

"A dripping pipe can cause water damage inside your home," said Ms. Gehlke. "To find problems before they cause damage, here are some tips. Suggest your agent listen for unusual hissing sounds. Periodically ask your agent to check around the water heater and under the sinks."

Also, she said, look for discolored floor coverings or subfloors, usually a sign of a leak. Water stains and wetness are often caused by loose or damaged plumbing fixtures or fittings. Moisture at the base of the toilet may indicate a deteriorated wax ring, which is easily replaced. If interior water damage is discovered, have the problem corrected immediately. "If the water supply has over 80 pounds of pressure, consider having the handyman install a pressure regulator to help avoid high water pressures that may cause a line rupture or leak."

During the rainy season, it is also important to check the gutters. Wind-driven rain and leaves can cause them to clog up again in a short time. To keep debris out of the downspouts, install a filter screen.

"Rain gutters do a great job of keeping excess water away from the foundation and keeping a home's outside walls and windows cleaner, but they will clog without some attention and they must be kept clean to work properly," she said.

To repair minor leaks or small holes, make sure the gutter is dry, then thoroughly clean the inside of the leak area with a rag, suggests Ms. Gehlke. Next apply a ...