Home ownership is the best but it comes with a lot of responsibility.
There are many perks of having a place to call your own, but the honeymoon can come to a sudden end as soon as something goes awry. Suddenly, there’s no one to call when your toilet just won’t stop running, a leak appears below your bedroom window, or your garbage disposal gets clogged. You’ve got to figure out how to fix the problem yourself — or hire someone to do it.
But with a little patience (and some smart internet research), it’s possible to take on many common home maintenance tasks yourself. Who knows: You may even start to take pride in your newfound handy-person skills! Whether you’re moving into a new home in EAST COBB or METRO ATLANTA these 10 skills are essential techniques that new homeowners should know how to do.
1. How to change your air filters
Changing your air filters regularly is important to maintain air quality. Order your air filters on line. It is recommended you change your air filters every 3-6 months if you don’t have pets or allergies. If you have pets or allergies every 30-90 days. If you are renovating your home or you are moving into new construction change the air filters every 2-3 weeks.
2. How to shut off your water
Where is your main water valve? Every homeowner should know the answer to this question. Water is one of the leading causes of damage in homes. If you can shut off your water quickly, you can prevent hundreds or thousands in damage. If you’re going to be away for longer than one or two days, you should turn off the water to your washing machine and the main house. If there is a leak while you are on vacation it can be devastating.
3. How to change the temperature on your water heater
Many manufacturers set water-heater thermostats to reach 140 degrees, but most houses need only a maximum of 120. Call your manufacture and ask the question. It all depends on the amount of bathrooms and num,
4. How to turn off your gas
If you smell gas or suspect there’s a gas problem, your first step should be calling your gas company. But it’s important to know how to turn off the gas yourself just in case you need to. The shut-off valve is usually located outside at the meter and will require an adjustable pipe or crescent-type wrench to operate.
5. How to fix a running toilet
A running toilet might sound like the start of a joke, but it can be very annoying — not to mention become a waste of water that could amp up your next water bill. Toilets run for several reasons: problems with the flapper, chain, or float are the most common. A diagnosis and repair is quick and easy. And remember, the water inside the toilet tank is clean, so don’t worry about putting your hands in there.
6. How to turn off power to different parts of your house
When you move into your new home, take some time to flip your circuit-breaker switches and figure out what controls what room — and that the switches are properly marked.
7. How to find a wall stud
It’s important to locate wall studs, which are vertical wood boards behind your drywall, when you’re hanging heavy wall mirrors or pictures in your new home — including TV wall mounts, shelves that will support significant weight. Luckily, technology has made it pretty simple to do this — for around $10 at a hardware or home improvement store, you can purchase a stud finder that will help you locate the boards. Pro tip: Studs are almost always spaced either 16 or 24 inches apart.
8. How to clean your gutters
Clogged gutters are no joke. They can cause water to flow onto the wood trim and siding of your house, which can eventually lead to rot — and replacement. Gutters should be cleaned every year, or twice a year if you have overhanging trees. If you feel confident on a ladder, you can clear the gutters yourself by suiting up (wear long sleeves, gloves, even goggles and a mask) and using a small garden shovel to clear the muck, followed by a high-pressure water rinse from your hose. Focus on clog-prone areas: mainly where the downspouts join the gutter system.
9. How to caulk
Caulking is a simple task but delivers big impact — not to mention, it keeps air and water at bay. First, pick the right caulk. For a long-lasting seal, choose permanently waterproof, flexible, shrinkproof, crackproof silicone caulk. (Skip acrylic caulk, which can shrink and crack over time.)
Next, remove old caulk with a utility knife and make sure your surface is clean and dry. Cut the nozzle of the caulk tube to your desired bead size and run a line of caulk — make sure to use even pressure when applying with a caulking gun. Finally, smooth the line with a wet finger. Need more instruction? Do a little research about proper caulk protocol.
10. How to maintain your appliances
This doesn’t exactly seem like a skill, right? But you’d be surprised: Knowing how to properly clean and maintain your appliances is key to extending their life span.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a water dispenser (i.e., it makes its own ice), we’re betting it has been awhile since the filter was replaced. Again, use the manual to determine the correct filter model and how to replace it. Next, clean your dryer vent of lint buildup — in the lint trap, behind the lint trap, and in the duct that leads to the outside of your home. Then clean your dishwasher filter or trap (depending on your dishwasher model) and run an empty cycle on “hot” with a cup of white vinegar: This will remove all grease and grime. And finally, know how to unclog the garbage disposal — a clean toilet plunger can work or, in more extreme cases, an auger, which is sold at home improvement stores.
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