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Whether a first-time homeowner or a long-time owner, home maintenance skills are long-lasting investments in safety. Plenty of jobs don’t require calling up plumbing services from Loveland. With a little research and the right toolbox, anyone can learn these six essential home maintenance skills.
If there’s any hesitation, don’t be afraid to call in an expert, however. Sometimes there isn’t enough time to figure it out before going on vacation. For instance, no one in their right mind would try to solve a backyard sewage spill all alone. A better solution is to call in some excavating contractors in Loveland and get the experts to sort it out.
Getting to know every nook and cranny of the house can be pleasurable. After all, being a homeowner means taking responsibility for everything. Don’t worry. A slow and steady pace is a great way to learn essential home maintenance skills and become an excellent homeowner.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Not only does the constant dripping sound get annoying, but a leaky faucet means a lot of wasted water (and money). The first step is to shut off the water valve on the leaking sink, to enable safe and leak-free tinkering. Then, determine which tools are necessary in order to take apart the leaky implement. Sometimes a hex key or adjustable wrench will do the trick.
Remove the handle and the cartridge, and closely examine the O-ring. If there are any cracks or signs of wearing, it might be time to replace the O-ring. Make sure the new one is the same brand or sizing. Reattach everything and turn on the valve once more. Test it by running both hot and cold water through it for a minute or two to ensure it’s working.
Caulking
Most people imagine moldy bathrooms when they hear the word “caulking.” But there is actually caulking all over the house, from window edges to the sink. Old caulking has a tendency to peel, which can let the mold in. It also doesn’t look very nice. Thankfully, it’s not at all difficult to remove old caulking with a bit of elbow grease and a sharp tool.
Many hardware stores carry caulking guns that are specifically designed for everyday consumers to use in their own homes. Keep in mind that caulking comes in different colors, so make sure to check it against the existing caulking or color scheme before purchasing. Benefits of caulking include a better seal against moisture and weather, protection from insects, and the satisfaction of a pure white and clean feeling bathroom.
Stopping a Toilet from Running
When the toilet doesn’t flush, it’s time to check out the tank. Sometimes a simple solution works, like lifting the chain to allow the tank to fill. It’s untrue that companies who provide plumbing in Loveland don’t want people learning about these things on their own. In fact, it’s even better when customers can clearly explain the issue and call the professionals for the really complicated stuff.
That being said, a running toilet is typically a DIY problem. It might require the purchase of a couple of simple supplies like a replacement fill valve, but nothing too expensive. Follow an online tutorial and don’t be afraid to get dirty. Learning this skill is bound to come in handy and save money down the line.
Understanding the Electrical Panel / Breaker
When a storm knocks out the electricity or a hairdryer takes out the lights in a portion of the house, it’s time to locate the electrical panel. Also known as a breaker, this is the place where all the home’s electrical wires connect and can be controlled. Some parts of the house are wired together, so if one outlet blows it will naturally flip off the others for safety purposes.
Everyone in the home should know where to locate the electrical panel. Unfortunately, it’s usually down in the basement in a dark corner filled with spider webs. But bring a flashlight and dust off the breaker, and take control of the situation.
How to Locate a Stud in the Wall
A general tip is that most studs are located either 16 or 24 inches apart. Many are located near light switches and electrical outlets. If this is part of a TV installation or something heavy will be hanging on the wall, then finding a stud is an essential first step. Plus, using studs means avoiding wires and other things hidden in the walls.
There is an easy tool that anyone can purchase at a hardware store called an electric stud finder. If that’s not possible, try the old school method of tapping and listening. Hollow means no stud, and thick taps mean there might be a stud there.
Taking Care of Appliances
For some appliances, it’s as easy as pushing the “self-clean” button. But that’s not the best or only way to take care of appliances. There are quite a few appliances that would benefit from regular maintenance. Some could use a good servicing every 6 months, whereas others only need it once every year or so.
Almost everyone who owns a house will have a refrigerator, a hot water heater, a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, and a stove. These are all heavy-duty appliances that might seem intimidating at first. Refrigerators have all those chemicals and coils, and most people have never seen the backside of a dishwasher. But the benefits of getting over the anxiety are manifold. Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of the appliance, and it can save money by reducing the need to call up a handyman for simple fixes.
The two most important components of appliance maintenance are cleaning and checking the seals. Every machine is different, but all appliances have an option to run them empty or full of an appropriate cleaning solution. Check the manual or look up what others have done. This one is especially important for people who live in places with hard water, as machines like washers and dishwashers can get really stopped up with calcification. To check the seals, read the manual and inspect each place where a seal is stopping water from escaping. Many problems with appliances can be remedied by solving these two issues.
Of course, some problems are more complicated and should not be attempted by amateur fixer-uppers. If a clinking or rattling noise is present, or if there’s a funny smell, look for professional help. It’s not difficult to get assistance with a water heater replacement in Loveland. Just get to it at the first sign of trouble.