Have you discovered all of your home’s key locations? Here are the things every new homeowner should know. Great! It’s now time to master some of the essential skills that homeowners require to keep their homes and properties clean and in good working order.
Many toilet problems can be solved without the help of a plumber, using only a plunger, an auger, a bucket, and some rubber gloves. Before you begin any projects, turn off the water valve behind the toilet to prevent it from overflowing. A plunger or auger can generally clear a clog, and a running toilet can be remedied with little tank care.
Many of us go for Drain-o when a sink backs up. However, this might cause damage to your pipes, so grab a bucket, turn off your sink’s water valve, and remove the P-trap to check for obstructions. If it doesn’t work, a clog can be removed by snaking the drain.
If you have tile in your home, you’ll quickly discover that the grout attracts dirt and mildew. You can remove any existing mold and keep it looking good with a firm scrubbing brush and some elbow work.
Maintaining the appearance of your home is an important aspect of your work now that you’re a homeowner. Consider some simple landscaping outside, such as bushes or flowerbeds, to achieve this. Knowing how to plant vegetation outside is a valuable talent to have — and one that can be learned in a weekend.
When you first move in, your home should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level and near all bedrooms. However, in the event that it does not, every homeowner should be able to install them. You can learn through the online tutorials and instructions that come with these gadgets.
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It’s crucial to know where the studs are when hanging anything on your walls because you’ll be able to install things more securely there. Knock on the wall to see whether it sounds solid; if it does, you’ve probably located a stud. A variety of stud finders are also available in hardware stores and online.
Although bare walls are unattractive, appropriately hanging items requires some skill. If you can’t install to a stud, make sure you have the necessary tools — a drill, a tape measure, and a level — and use drywall anchors rated for the weight they’ll have to support.
You risk damaging your drywall and causing holes if you mount something to the wall incorrectly (or if an accident occurs). Fortunately, this is a fairly straightforward repair that can be done with fillers and patch kits found at any hardware shop.
Rainwater can run into your eaves if your gutters are clogged, causing costly decay. Every homeowner should clean their gutters twice a year, either by hand or with a hose or a wet-dry vac.
The outside of your house will become soiled over time. Knowing how to pressure wash it as needed — usually every few years — will keep it looking its best. For a project that only needs to be done once in a while, renting a pressure washer is a better option than buying one.
The windows, like the outside of your house, will accumulate dirt over time. Wash your views a few times a year to keep them in good shape. Larger windows and those on upper floors may require additional gear such as squeegees and extendable scrubbers.
Also Read: Household Problems To Fix Before Moving Into A New House
If you know how to caulk, weatherproofing and waterproofing become much easier. Fortunately, even a complete beginner can pick it up in a day or two. A damp sponge and a tube of caulk are required. There are a lot of videos on the internet with tips and methods for creating a smooth bead and cleaning up as you go so your end project appears neat and tidy.
Window screens are prone to snags and tears, allowing insects to enter your home. Screen repair is simple, though, and you can acquire a repair kit for a low price at any hardware shop. You can also cut the screen out of the frame and replace it totally if it is severely broken.
Knowing how to properly paint a wall is a crucial skill for every homeowner, whether you desire a new wall color or need to restore damaged paint. Clean the wall first, then use drop cloths and tape to keep paint from getting anyplace it shouldn’t. While the paint is curing, apply thin, even layers and keep the area well aired.
By changing your furnace filter every two months, you may increase the efficiency of your furnace and extend its life. Because each furnace is unique, see your owner’s manual. However, changing the filter is a simple and quick task that any homeowner can learn to do.
A programmable thermostat is one of the most effective ways to enhance energy efficiency in your house. They’re usually a lot easy to set up than you would expect. Simply shut off the furnace’s breaker, remove the old thermostat, and check whether you have two or four wires. Then, purchase an appropriate thermostat and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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If your home has central air conditioning, you’ll need to wipe out the drain line on a regular basis to keep it from clogging. This is another quick and easy chore that can be completed using a pipe cleaning brush or a wet-dry vac; however, consult your air conditioner’s handbook or manufacturer’s website for instructions, and make sure the unit is turned off and the water is turned off before you begin.
Inspecting your fireplace on a regular basis not only keeps it in good operating order, but it also keeps your family safe. Clear away any ash and clean out the firebox every year before you use the fireplace for the first time. Examine the chimney for cracks and double-check that the damper opens and closes properly.
If you suddenly lose power to one part of your home, you probably tripped a breaker. Go to your home’s electrical box and find the switch that controls the area where you’re missing power. Switch it off and then back on to reset it.
If you have hardwood in your home, preserve it by learning to take care of it the right way. For example, know and avoid cleaners that can damage hardwood. And regularly polish and preserve your hardwood to keep it looking its best.
A leaking faucet is normally a project that a homeowner may manage without the assistance of a plumber. A new rubber washer is required for a compression faucet, but a replacement o-ring can be used to close a washerless faucet. YouTube videos are excellent for demonstrating how to complete a task.
Changing your shower head is a simple and easy job that may make a big difference in your bathroom. Most new showerheads come with instructions, but replacing a showerhead is usually as simple as removing the old one, applying thread seal tape to the base pipe, and screwing in the new one.
Sink faucets are very simple to replace. Choose a new faucet with the same number of holes as the old one for the easiest job, and measure the size and distance between the holes in your sink to confirm it’s the appropriate fit. Take a picture before unscrewing anything under the sink so you know how it should look when it’s put back together. After that, turn off the water supply to the sink and follow the instructions that came with the new faucet.