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There are many home maintenance tasks that you can handle on your own, without needing to call in a professional. These are crucial skills every homeowner should have. Yet, today, very few people possess this know-how. Here are 17 essential home repairs you should be familiar with but have likely forgotten or never learned.
How to Handle a Fire Extinguisher
Most people are not fully equipped to handle a fire extinguisher. It is important to learn how to use it in case of an emergency.
Update a Light Fixture
You don’t always need to call an electrician to swap out a basic light fixture. With a little guidance and care, this is a DIY project you can confidently tackle yourself.
Reset the Breaker
Sometimes, an electrical breaker may trip due to an overloaded circuit. This often happens when too many high-power appliances hairdryers, or heaters, are running on the same circuit. If your breaker trips, you can usually reset it yourself to resolve the issue.
Shutting Off the Gas
Knowing how to turn off the gas in an emergency is important, especially if your home operates on natural gas. This is particularly important in the event of a gas leak. Locate the gas meter and keep a wrench handy, as you’ll need it to turn the valve and stop the gas flow.
How to Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Just as it’s important to know how to cut off the gas, it’s equally vital to know how to shut off your home’s main water supply. If there is a serious leak or a burst pipe, the quickest way to stop flooding is by turning off the water at its main source. Familiarize yourself with the location of the shutoff valve, as this can save you from significant water damage in an emergency.
HVAC Filter Replacement
It’s important to replace your HVAC filters every 90 days to improve air quality and maintain an efficient system operation. This simple task only requires you to have the correct filter for your system.
How Often Should You Change the HVAC Air Filter in Your Home?
Gutter Cleaning
Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home’s foundation. To prevent this, clean your gutters at least twice a year to ensure proper drainage.
Interior Painting
Learning how to properly paint walls and ceilings can dramatically change the appearance of any room. You can save a significant amount by painting interior walls yourself without the need for a professional painter.
Basic Plumbing
Knowing how to handle basic plumbing repairs can save you from costly emergencies. Keep essential tools like a plunger, pipe wrench, and plumbing tape on hand. These tools enable you to quickly address common issues such as fixing or replacing a faucet, unclogging a drain, or stopping a running toilet. Handling these minor repairs yourself can save money and prevent further damage.
Patch and Repair a Drywall
While you may hope not to deal with many drywall holes, accidents do happen, and it’s likely you’ll need to patch some over time. Learning to repair drywall holes yourself can save you a significant amount of money. Purchase a drywall repair kit from any hardware store and use the included instructions to easily restore your walls to their original condition.
Caulking
It’s important to maintain a watertight seal around bathtubs, sinks, and windows using caulking and sealing products. Proper sealing prevents water damage and protects fixtures and surfaces.
Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals often become dirty and can start to emit a foul odor. Rather than hiring a professional, you can address this issue yourself with some simple DIY methods. Try running citrus peels or baking soda through the disposal to help clean it and neutralize odors.
How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal
Fix a Clogged Sink
Sometimes, sinks get clogged, and knowing how to fix it is important. A clogged sink is guaranteed to happen, so it’s best to know how to solve the issue before contacting a professional.
Weatherstripping
Applying weatherstripping to doors and windows is a preventive maintenance task that helps prevent energy loss and reduce utility bills. Sealing the gaps around doors and windows will make your home more energy-efficient, keeping indoor temperatures stable and comfortable throughout the year.
Pressure Washing
Occasionally, your home’s exterior, deck, or driveway will need a pressure wash—many suggest doing this annually. Instead of hiring a professional service, consider investing in a pressure washer to use each year, or borrow one from a neighbor or friend. This can be a cost-effective way to maintain your property’s appearance.
How to Mow the Lawn
Let’s be honest—mowing the lawn is far from most people’s favorite chore, especially for homeowners. It’s exhausting and takes up valuable time, so it’s tempting to hire someone else to do it. While mowing isn’t a matter of life or death, it’s still an essential skill to master. Knowing how to properly maintain your yard can save you money and keep your outdoor space looking its best.
Caring for Hardwood Floors
While hardwood floors add elegance to a home, many new homeowners aren’t sure how to properly care for them. In fact, some find the maintenance intimidating and may even opt to cover them with alternatives like vinyl plank. However, hardwood floors are easier to maintain than you might think. The key is to use cleaning products specifically designed for hardwood and avoid harsh cleaners that could cause damage. With the right approach, you can keep your floors looking beautiful for years to come.
16 Ways to Modernize a Kitchen Without Remodeling
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter with a big or small kitchen, making your kitchen look and work better can really change how you use the space. And you don’t have to do a major kitchen renovation to make it happen. Here are 16 affordable ways to give your kitchen a modern touch.
16 Ways to Modernize a Kitchen Without Remodeling
How to Clean Sticky Grease Off Your Kitchen Cabinets
Our kitchen cabinets can easily accumulate dirt, grease, and grime. Here are some of the most effective cleaning methods to revive those greasy kitchen cabinets.
