You don’t have to call a handyman every time something goes haywire in your house. Today we are talking about 4 things every homeowner or renter should know how to do.
The first thing is Unclogging a Drain. Harsh,chemicals shouldn’t be your first option when a sink drain gets clogged. A longer term solution is a small plunger or drain snake to work out the problem mechanically. After you’ve removed the primary clog, clean out smelly gunk by putting a cup of baking soda in the drain followed by four cups of boiling water; then chase with a cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction will jar any remaining debris loose and leave the drain smelling fresh.
Next you should always know where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve is in case anything springs a leak. Look near the perimeter of the house at ground level nearest your water meter. The shutoff valve might be in a basement, crawlspace, closet or garage, but should never be covered over with drywall; look for an access panel. You can also shut off your water from the outside water meter, but the valve might require special tools to turn.
You should also be able to Find a Wall Stud If you’re hanging a picture or shelf. Start by locating an electrical outlet along the wall, since the receptacles are typically fastened to one side of a stud. Studs should be located every 16 inches or so. Tap on the drywall and It should sound hollow as you move to the left or right. As the sound changes, that indicates where the stud is. If you have a really bright flashlight, point it alongside the drywall and it will show any imperfections. If you find a string of indentations, that’s where nails are — that’s the stud.”
Change the Air Filters on Your HVAC System every month. It’s important to schedule a maintenance checkup for your HVAC system every spring and fall, but in the meantime, filters need to be checked once a month. Dirty filters shorten the lifespan of your system.
Pro Tip - keep your thermostat at 68 in the winer and 78 in the summer for highest efficiency.