Owning a home is exciting, but the repairs and routine chores can catch you off guard. A dripping faucet, a tripped breaker, or a clogged drain might seem small until you’re scrambling to figure out what to do.
Learning a few household maintenance skills can save you money and help you feel more comfortable handling everyday problems. Here are 17 useful skills worth learning before something goes wrong.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is useful only if you know where it is and how to operate it before an emergency starts. Learn the instructions for your model, and remember: if a fire grows quickly or you feel unsafe, get everyone out and call emergency services instead of trying to fight it.
Related: 14 Monthly Home Maintenance Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do
Replace a Light Fixture
Replacing an old ceiling light can give a room a fresh look, but electrical work needs care. Turn off the correct circuit breaker and verify the wires aren’t live before starting, or hire a licensed electrician if you’re unsure how to handle the wiring.
Reset a Tripped Breaker
A circuit breaker may trip when a circuit is overloaded or an electrical fault occurs. Unplug devices on the affected circuit before attempting one reset, and contact an electrician if the breaker trips again, feels hot, or smells burnt.
Know What to Do if You Smell Gas
Everyone in the household should know how to recognize a possible gas leak and what to do next. If you smell gas, leave immediately without operating electrical switches or using a phone indoors, then call the gas utility or emergency services from a safe location outside.
Related: 17 Basic Home Maintenance Skills Many People Struggle With Today
Turn Off the Main Water Supply
Knowing where your main water shutoff valve is located can make a big difference if a pipe bursts or a major leak starts. Find the valve before you need it and learn how to operate it so you can stop the water while you arrange repairs.
Replace an HVAC Filter
A clogged heating and cooling filter can restrict airflow and make your system work harder than it needs to. Check the manufacturer’s replacement recommendations, and keep the correct size on hand; change it more often if you have pets or a dusty home.
Related: How to Winterize Your Home To Save on Energy Costs
Clean the Gutters
Leaves, twigs, and other debris can block gutters and stop rainwater from draining away from your home properly. Check them seasonally and clear blockages as needed, but hire a professional if the roofline is high or the work puts you at risk on a ladder.
Paint Interior Walls
A fresh coat of paint can make a room look cleaner without the cost of hiring someone to do the whole job. Learn to fill small holes, prepare the surface, tape the edges, and apply even coats for a tidy finish.
Handle Basic Plumbing Repairs
Knowing how to shut off the water beneath a sink, tighten a loose fixture, or replace a worn washer can save you from calling a plumber for every small problem. Keep a plunger, adjustable wrench, and drain snake handy, and leave major leaks or unfamiliar plumbing work to a qualified professional.
Patch Small Drywall Holes
Picture hooks, door handles, and moving furniture can leave dents and holes in walls over time. A little spackling compound, light sanding, and matching paint are often enough to make minor damage far less noticeable.
Replace Old Caulk
Caulk around tubs, showers, sinks, and windows can crack or peel as it ages, leaving gaps where moisture may get through. Remove the old material, clean and dry the surface, and apply suitable replacement caulk according to the product directions.
Freshen a Smelly Garbage Disposal
Food scraps can collect around a garbage disposal’s splash guard and leave behind unpleasant odors. Turn off the disposal before cleaning accessible areas, never put your hand inside, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the unit.
Related: How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal
Clear a Clogged Sink
Hair, grease, soap residue, and food scraps can slow a drain until water barely moves. A plunger or drain snake may clear a minor blockage, but call a plumber if the problem keeps returning or several drains begin backing up.
Install Weatherstripping
Gaps around doors and windows can let drafts in and make it harder to keep your home comfortable. Measure the gaps, choose weatherstripping that fits, and install it so the door or window still opens and closes properly.
Pressure Wash Outdoor Surfaces
Dirt, algae, and mildew can build up on patios, driveways, decks, and other outdoor surfaces over time. Use a pressure washer setting suited to the material, and test a small area first, since too much pressure can damage wood, siding, and masonry.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
Smoke alarms protect your household only if they work properly, so test them regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for battery replacement. Replace the alarm itself when it reaches the end of its service life, and make sure every level of your home has the required coverage.
Find Wall Studs Before Hanging Heavy Items
A wall stud finder can help you locate the framing behind drywall before mounting a television, installing shelves, or hanging a heavy mirror. Use suitable fasteners and confirm that the mounting hardware can support the item’s weight to reduce the risk of it pulling away from the wall.
