What Every New Homeowner Should Know

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Home ownership is a big responsibility. It requires an investment of time and dedication in order to maintain a comfortable living environment. It's important that you have a basic understanding of certain tasks. Here's a quick rundown of some of the most common things every new homeowner should know how to do.

Turn Off the Main Water Line

If you do have a pipe leak, you'll need to turn off the main water line in the house in order to stop the water flow. That's why you should know where the main water shutoff valve for your home is located. Find it now before an emergency occurs or you could end up with a terrible mess. Usually, it's found at the water meter. This may be on the side of the house or located near the street underground. Your utility company will be able to help you find it if you can't locate it on your own. You might have a secondary shutoff valve in your basement where the water main comes in. If you have this, you won't need to go outside.

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Two simple devices you can buy at the store can keep you and your family safe. There are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They are relatively inexpensive and can alert you to potential dangers. You'll want to be sure to place them near all bedrooms and on every level of your home, including the basement if you have one. Check them monthly to be sure they're working properly. This usually just involves pressing a button to hear a small beep or chirp to indicate the device is performing well. Every six months, you should change the batteries in your devices.

Repair a Toilet

Let's start off with a relatively easy one. A running toilet is a problem you'll surely run into. When you own your own home, there's no building manager to call to come fix the issue. There's also no need to pay a professional plumber to come take care of it for you. This is a household issue you can handle on your own.

There are online tutorials to help walk you through the process of stopping a running toilet or fixing one that doesn't flush properly. The fix may be as simple as adjusting the tank's water level by turning a screw on the intake valve. Other plumbing tasks such as a residential septic tank cleaning or repairing a major leak are tasks that will require a professional.

Unclog a Drain

Another simple plumbing job you can usually manage by yourself is unclogging a drain. If your bathroom or kitchen sink won't drain, you'll usually just need to use a plunger or drain snake to take care of the problem. These items are easy to use, and you should definitely add them to your household toolkit. There are chemical drain cleaners you can pick up at the store or you can also make your own with non-chemical products you probably have around the house.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

If your gutters and downspouts aren't clear, water won't be diverted away from your home. This can lead to buildup that rots your roof and siding. The damage has the potential to be expensive. Simply removing leaves and debris regularly can save you a lot of hassle.

Change the Filters

If you want to keep your heating and cooling system working properly and efficiently, you'll need to change the filters on a regular basis. Every three months is recommended. Though you should have your system inspected by a professional twice a year, you can easily change the filters by yourself. Doing so allows the system to work with maximum efficiency so that it doesn't become clogged, slowing it down or causing it to overheat. Check your system's manual to discover the size and type of filter you need. The manual should also have basic instructions for how to change your filters. Typically, this job just requires you to remove the old filer and insert a new one in its place, making sure it's facing the right direction. You'll want to then replace the grill and make sure it's clean.

Conclusion

Now you have an idea of some of the most basic tasks a homeowner should know. You can build on this information over time to feel confident you can handle the essential duties of home upkeep.