House Maintenance Skills Every New Homeowner Must Know

If you’re a homeowner, then you know repairs are just a part of life. And while some repairs may be a little daunting, there are some simple repairs that every homeowner should know how to do. So, in case you ever find yourself with a leaky faucet or a broken window, here are a few repair tips that will help you get the job done like a pro. Happy repairing!

How to Change a Lightbulb

Most people find changing a lightbulb simple. If you aren’t careful, this routine task can quickly turn into a dangerous chore. If you don’t take precautions, you could get an electric shock or burns if the bulb gets too hot. Falls from unsecured areas can cause severe injuries if you have to climb up to reach it.

These are the general guidelines for safely changing a lightbulb:

1. Turn off the Main Power – By turning off the main circuit breaker, you ensure that no power can reach your outlet. The light fixture may still be live even though the switch is turned off. Poor workmanship or a wiring problem can show that live power may still be present. In these cases, electricity may still flow through the neutral line. If you don’t have an electric meter, turn off the fuse box to test for current flow.
2. Wait for the Bulb To Cool Down – Incandescent light bulbs are more efficient than LEDs today because they produce a lot of heat. A hot bulb can cause severe burns. Although the consequences are not usually severe and not life-threatening, it is possible to burn yourself. You should wait until the bulb has been turned off before trying to change it.
3. Use the Right Equipment to Change the Bulb. If you need to change the bulb on a ceiling or other high-height fixture, a ladder is a good choice. Do not reach for heights that you are not capable of. Couches and table chairs are not designed to support people in the positions they need. To reach the desired location, you can use a stool or stepladder to ensure your safety.
4. How to Remove and Replace a Lightbulb
5. Take Care when removing the bulb. The bulb should be easy to remove. Use a glove to grip the bulb if it becomes stuck or needs to be removed with a lot of pressure. You could break the glass in your hand or cut yourself if you apply too much pressure. The bulb may have broken off its base, or the humidity in the room could have affected the socket. You can also use a tool to get rid of anything stuck in the fixture. It may be very sharp.
6. Rarer bayonet-style bulbs can be removed by pushing them into a fitting. Push the bulb into the socket and turn left. Once the bulb retracts into the socket, push and twist left.
7. Make sure you have a suitable replacement – Before installing a new bulb, verify the fixture’s power rating. A bulb with a higher power rating than the one you have can cause a fire hazard. The extra power can heat the wires and walls and can melt them. This risk can be avoided by using a bulb that has a lower or equal power rating to the fixture. When you turn it clockwise, the bulb should fit snugly into the socket.
8. Turn it On – Once the bulb has been inserted into its socket, turn the main breaker on and turn the light on. The job is complete if the light turns on. You can now throw out the bulb by wrapping it in paper or a bag and then dispose of it.
9. If a bulb stops working, flickers, or makes noises, it could be a problem with the wiring or fixture.

How to unclog your drain

How can you quickly unclog your drain?

One cup of baking soda should be poured down the drain. If necessary, a spoon or spatula can push the powder down. One cup of white vinegar should be poured down the drain opening. To seal the drain, place a cover or stopper on it. Allow the mixture to sit for fifteen minutes.

Boiling water should not be poured down the toilet or sink. Although boiling water can be poured into the sink if your pipes are clean, clogging the pipe will cause it to clog. This can cause serious damage to PVC pipes and seals.

What can dissolve hair in a sink?

Baking Soda & Vinegar: Before you plunge it out, baking soda and vinegar are very effective in clearing any clogs. Hair clogs are no exception. To get the best results, first, pour some dish soap down your drain. Next, add a cup of vinegar and baking soda.

Is it possible to make a clog even worse by plunging?

When used properly, plungers can be an effective tool to unclog a drain and clean a toilet. It is important to ensure that a tight seal has been formed around the drain. Also, it is important to slow down and carefully plunge. You can make your efforts ineffective by attempting to plunge too fast or using too much force.

How to unblock your sink without using a plunger

• White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda (or baking flour). 
• Biological washing powder
• Alka Seltzer, white vinegar. 
• To remove the blockage, use a wire or other tool. 
• A blast of water is all you need. 
• Use a natural drain cleaner. 
• Hot water and bleach

How to fix a leaking faucet

What causes a faucet to leak?

Most faucet repair kits can easily identify and fix the most common causes of a leaky faucet.

Why does my faucet continue to drip even after I turn it off?

Washer damaged or loose

A loose or damaged seat washer could cause your faucet to drip water even after it has been shut off. Sink faucets that leak frequently have problems with their washers. Because of repeated use, the seat washer screw may become loose and cause drippage or chatter.

Here are the reasons you need to call a plumber immediately: Adding pressure to the faucet can lead to further damage, which could leave you with more severe consequences. It is impossible to repair a leak on its own, so it is important to call your local plumber immediately to get it fixed before it becomes worse.

These are the five steps you need to fix a leaking faucet.

1. Shut off the water supply. You don’t want the problem to get worse and your faucet to stop spitting water.
2. Take out decorative hardware.
3. Take out the packing nut.
4. Replace the washer and O-ring.
5. Reassemble everything.

How to clean oven racks

How can I make my oven racks shine again?

The oven rack can be placed in a bathtub with hot water. Add 1/2 cup of dishwasher detergent. You can remove gunk and stains from oven racks using a non-abrasive toothbrush. It is important to clean your oven racks often.

How do you clean oven racks?

Add enough hot water to fill the tub. Mix one cup of baking soda with half a cup of handwashing dish detergent. Then soak the oven racks in hot water for at least eight hours. The racks can be cleaned and rinsed the next morning.

How can I clean my oven racks?

You may be able to restore the lubrication to your oven’s racks if you leave them in the oven while cleaning it. You can wipe the tracks and guides of your oven with steel wool pads, but they should remain soapy throughout the process.

Is it possible to use steel wool for oven racks?

Steel wool cannot be used for the glass or interior of an oven. However, it can be used for racks. You can scrub the burnt-on charcoal with steel wool or a sponge while they are in the sink. After they are clean, dry them and then put them back in the oven. That’s it!

Do I have to clean oven racks using Brillo pads?

To clean the racks in your oven, first, remove them from the oven. Warm, soapy water can wash the racks one by one. Use a scrub sponge like the Brillo Basics Estracell Heavy-Duty Scrub Sponge to remove stubborn gunk and grime. Rinse the racks and dry them. Slide them back in place.

How to remove a stain from a carpet or rug

You can try a mixture of white vinegar, Dawn dish soap, and water in a spray bottle. Use 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap, and fill with water. Spray the area liberally and let soak for 5-10 minutes and then proceed with blotting with a clean, dry towel until the stain is removed.

What is the best homemade carpet stain remover?

Vinegar is the hero for stain removal. Try these various formulas for homemade carpet stain remover to get rid of a variety of common stains: Rub light carpet stains with a mixture of 2 tablespoons salt dissolved in 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the solution dry, then vacuum.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my rug?

If there is still staining or an odor after cleaning with the vinegar solution, you can try a solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. These products will break down the stain, kill bacteria, and absorb odors.

How to fix a shattered window pane

• Remove the Damaged Glass and Clean the Frame. Using a putty knife, pry up the hardened glazing compound from around the glass. 
• Measure the Frame and Buy the Glass. 
• Alternate Method: Cut Your Own Glass. 
• Mount the Glass. 
• Glaze the Window. 

Let the Glazing Cure, Then Paint

Window Repair Cost Breakdown

Fixing a damaged pane: Costs $70 on average, with a range of $40 to $100. Replacing a smashed window glass: Costs $350 on average; most people spend between $200 and $500 and can expect to pay as much as $2,000 for more complicated repairs. 

There are a few ways you can briefly fix a broken house window:

Use glue or nail polish to fill in small chips or cracks in the window.

For larger window cracks that are still intact, cover the crack with duct tape or packing tape.

If the window is shattered, remove any glass from the windowpane.

Can a broken double-pane window be corrected?

Whether your window was damaged by a weather event or somebody practicing baseball in the backyard, you cannot mend the glass in a double-pane window. When glass in a double-pane window is broken, both panes of glass need to be restored to maintain your window’s efficiency.

In Conclusion

If you need some home repairs or are curious about what kind of maintenance your home needs, be sure to contact us today. Our team of experts can help you with everything from roofing repairs to fixing a leaky faucet. We’ll work with you to find the best solution for your home and ensure that all repairs are carried out properly and efficiently. 

So don’t wait—contact us today!