An uncleaned dryer vent will cause it to run inefficiently, and it can risk causing a house fire. Make sure you get rid of any lint that will attract pests and cause unpleasant odors.
Water heaters can sometimes leak, and if the leak comes from the drain valve, then it's easy to replace. However, if it's leaking from the actual tank, then it can eventually burst and cause an instant flood.
Make sure you adjust your water heater before you go on vacation, or else you'll lose money on something super simple. Before leaving, turn your water temperature down so that it won't need to maintain the temperature of the whole tank while you're away. But don't forget to turn it back up when you get home!
If you want to get an elongated toilet bowl, make sure you measure the space first. Many make the mistake of installing one, only to discover that the bathroom door can't be closed.
Being a homeowner is a huge and rewarding achievement. However, it can also be costly and frustrating if you’re not aware of certain things in your home—and things that apply to renters, too!
From some emergency preparedness to basic troubleshooting, your home will have numerous surprises over the years that will require your urgent attention and careful know-how. To get ahead of it, check out this gallery for things every homeowner needs to know.
To avoid any costly remodeling in the future, go for neutral colors for fixtures, like toilets, tile, tubs, and countertops. You can instead easily go bold with inexpensive accents like rugs or pottery.
Instead of squishing ants, place liquid bait around areas where you've seen them, like under the sink and along walls. This way they'll take the toxic bait back to the nest.
To the surprise of many, burglary isn't a nocturnal activity. Most burglaries actually occur between 10 am and 5 pm. The most common ways for crooks to get in are through unlocked doors and windows.
The traps in drains that aren't used often will eventually dry out, which can potentially release harmful sewer gas into your home. Get rid of this problem by adding some fresh water topped with a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil. The oil will float above the water and seal against evaporation.
Pests are all too common, and you'll likely encounter them in your home at one point. From silverfish to cockroaches, mice to termites, you should know what to do if you ever have the misfortune of encountering one.
Sources: (Apartment Therapy) (Family Handyman)
If you want to keep those hardwood floors beautiful for years to come, then you need to care for them properly. Instead of using water on them, use a dry cloth to promptly mop up spills and use wood-friendly cleaners on a monthly basis.
It has to be done, since a clogged gutter with sticks and leaves can cause damage and leaks to your roof and walls. But if you clean your gutter yourself, be careful when going up there.
Whenever you spot mold on a hard surface, you need to deal with it immediately. Some mold can be harder to remove, especially stachybotrys chartarum, AKA toxic black mold. For this reason, you'll need to get rid of the materials entirely and address what caused it.
In order to prevent harmful pollutants and unwanted moisture that can affect your health, make sure all exhaust vents are unobstructed and inspected yearly.
No one wants to return home from a vacation to find their home flooded. So, before leaving, turn off the main water valve. It takes less than a minute, and you'll avoid one of the biggest homeowner nightmares!
Knowing how to seal up drafts during winter is an important step to keeping your home warm. Plus, covering up any poorly-insulated areas will also lower your cooling bills in the summer.
Having a fire extinguisher in your home is super important, but do you know how to actually use one? Make sure you get informed, in case of an emergency. Also, don't forget to effectively inspect your extinguisher.
Get yourself a ring binder to keep insurance papers, repair receipts, and all other paperwork belonging to the house. Organization makes life much easier.
The reality is, nothing in your home lasts forever, this includes your appliances and old building materials. Keep a record of their lifespans, warranties, and maintenance schedules.
Make it a habit to monthly test your smoke detectors. Batteries should be replaced every year, even if they're still working. Also, smoke detectors have a lifespan of 10 years, so keep those dates in mind for when you need a new one.
In case of an emergency, it's worth noting the locations of the closest hospital, emergency clinic, and vet. You should also double check to see if these places accept your insurance.
Loud music once in a while can be fine, but neighbors won’t appreciate your speakers blasting all hours of the night, nor will they enjoy early lawn mowing. And you definitely want to stay on their good side in case on day you need their help!
Each area has different days for garbage pick-up, recycling, and compost. Check with your local sanitation department to see which items go into each category and on what days they'll be picked up.
To properly clean and maintain your countertops, make sure you know what materials they're made from. For example, natural stone, like marble, needs to be sealed annually and cleaned with a solution that's specifically formulated so as to not harm the material.
As a homeowner, you need to know where the main water shut-off is and how to turn it off. Quickly turning it off in case of a plumbing emergency will reduce further damage in the home.
Make sure you have the contact details for recommended plumbers, carpenters, electricians, contractors, handymen, and exterminators. You never know when you'll need their service.
If you want to add a new appliance or make a modernization update, make sure your circuit can handle the additional load. If not, you'll find yourself constantly having to reset your breaker.
Be careful not to use a light bulb with wattage too high for a given outlet. This can easily result in a home fire. Try to locate the wattage on each fixture outlet, and if it's not marked, stay under 60 watts.
Have your neighbor's contact information in case of an emergency, or simply to invite them over for dinner. It's nice to know you can look out for each other.
To become a master homeowner, get an understanding of how the electrical circuits in your home function. This will allow you to make many DIY improvements.
Things every homeowner needs to know
June is Homeownership Month
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Being a homeowner is a huge and rewarding achievement. However, it can also be costly and frustrating if you’re not aware of certain things in your home—and things that apply to renters, too!
From some emergency preparedness to basic troubleshooting, your home will have numerous surprises over the years that will require your urgent attention and careful know-how. To get ahead of it, check out this gallery for things every homeowner needs to know.